Trump rally assassination attempt leads to police plea for sniper support
18 August 2024 12:02, updated: 18 August 2024 12:41
ABC News reveals that before Donald Trump visited Pennsylvania, local police called for sniper support and rapid response forces. "It's going to be a circus there," wrote the local sheriff, fearing significant interest in the rally of the former president, during which an assassination attempt on Trump's life occurred.
On 13 July in Butler, Pennsylvania, an assassination attempt was made on Donald Trump's life. The former president, running for re-election, was shot in the ear, fatally wounding another person.
Although a month has passed since the failed assassination attempt, it still captures the imagination of Americans, especially as new circumstances of the event come to light.
"It's going to be a circus there"
On Saturday, ABC News published previously unknown fragments of conversations between authorities in Butler. The organisation of Trump's rally was associated with significant logistical chaos, particularly concerning the engagement of local services.
"It's going to be a circus there. Not enough room for the crowd that I believe will attend," wrote Butler County Sheriff Michael Slupe in correspondence obtained by ABC News.
Services appealed for help
The police in Butler, aware of the scale of the event, sought support from other services. They requested reinforcements in the form of sniper, observational, and rapid response teams.
However, the issue of additional protection stumbled over financial matters. "Days ahead of the event, County Commissioner Kevin Boozel texted fellow commissioners and Slupe that he wanted to state on the record that a contract would be needed since law enforcement services provided by the sheriff's office could be challenged as a campaign expense," reads the ABC News publication.