A new video of what happened in Butler, PA was released after being previously detained by the FBI. Meanwhile, Speaker Mike Johnson announced the Republican members of the J13 Committee.
In this report:
A recently released video has shed new light on the moments leading up to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump on January 13, 2024. Captured by a local resident, the footage reveals the growing panic among police officers as they tried to manage an increasingly volatile situation. This video, initially detained by the FBI for analysis, shows the chaotic and tense atmosphere before the shooting took place.
The video begins with footage of the area around the event. Local snipers were positioned in a second-story building, and it becomes apparent that they were aware of a potential threat well before the shooting began. The timeline, marked by a time code, starts at 5:02 PM, more than an hour before the shooting.
Rising Tensions and Police Actions
By 5:10 PM, police officers are seen clearing the area, aware of a potential shooter. They are visibly tense, and their actions indicate that they were trying to secure the area from a suspected threat. Despite their efforts, the situation escalates, and the video captures the growing panic as they struggle to locate the gunman.
The situation reaches a critical point between 6:10 and 6:15 PM. The video shows officers backing up and trying to position themselves strategically as the tension mounts. The footage highlights the confusion and urgency among the police as they respond to the threat.
The Moment of the Shooting
At 6:11 PM, the shooting occurs while Trump is speaking on stage. The video captures the immediate chaos and the frantic movements of the officers. Shouts of “make yourself small” and “get down” can be heard as people scramble for cover. The police try to assess the situation and protect those in the vicinity.
In the aftermath, the video shows the police trying to get a ladder to access the roof where the shooter was believed to be. The level of disarray and the lack of coordinated response are evident. Officers are seen climbing through gates and trying to get people to safety, underscoring the intensity of the situation.
Analysis and Criticism of the Police Response
The newly released video has prompted criticism of the police and Secret Service response. Despite having more than 90 minutes of advance notice about the potential threat, the response appears disorganized and slow. The video raises questions about the communication and coordination between different law enforcement agencies.
The video also captures the moment when officers realize the shooter is on the roof. This crucial detail was missed in the initial sweep of the area, leading to a significant security lapse. The footage highlights the confusion and lack of preparedness that plagued the response efforts.
Formation of the J13 Committee
In response to the assassination attempt and the evident security failures, a new committee has been formed to investigate the events of January 13th. The J13 Committee, composed of seven Republicans and six Democrats, is tasked with uncovering the reasons behind the security lapses and ensuring accountability.
The committee members include representatives from various states, each bringing their expertise and experience to the investigation. The goal is to provide a thorough and unbiased examination of the events and to recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Moving Forward
The release of the video has reignited debates about the adequacy of security measures at high-profile events. It has also prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies. The J13 Committee’s investigation is expected to shed light on the failures that led to the assassination attempt and to provide recommendations for improving security protocols.
As the investigation proceeds, the video serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability and challenges faced by those tasked with protecting public figures. The events of January 13th underscore the importance of vigilance, coordination, and swift action in preventing such tragedies. The public and lawmakers alike will be closely watching the outcomes of the committee’s findings and the subsequent actions taken to enhance security and ensure justice.