Outrage as report claims local cop confronted Trump shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks on roof moments before he opened fire

Trigger Warning: This article contains some graphic information and content that may trigger some readers. Discretion is advised.

BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA: A local police officer reportedly encountered Thomas Matthew Crooks, the would-be assassin of Donald Trump, moments before he fired shots at the former president during the Butler, Pennsylvania rally. The cop, however, failed to stop the 20-year-old gunman despite the looming threat.

Attendees of the Saturday, July 13 rally alerted the police after noticing the shooter perched on the rooftop of a manufacturing plant located 130 yards away from the podium where Trump was speaking. According to anonymous law enforcement officials' revelation to the Associated Press, one officer even climbed a ladder to look into the threat. 

The officer, who belonged to the department enlisted by the Secret Service to assist in security, confronted Crooks, who aimed his AR-style rifle at them. The shooter immediately fired eight shots at Trump after the cop retreated the ladder. A shot pierced the ex-president's right ear, while others killed a rally attendee, and critically injured two.

A Secret Service sniper promptly took down Crook. 

Secret Service faces harsh scrutiny for letting the shooter in a near perimeter of Donald Trump

Despite the Secret Service's prompt response to the assassination attempt against Donald Trump, it came under intense scrutiny for letting the gunman have an open position near the rally, as per the New York Post.

"This was a catastrophic failure. It should never have been a remote possibility," said former House Oversight Committee Chair Jason Chaffetz to the Washington Post. In 2015, he led an extensive probe into the flaws of the Secret Service that is assigned to safeguarding sitting and former presidents.

"We did all these investigations and did an extensive report so this would never happen again. It's as if they paid no attention to the bipartisan recommendations," added the former Utah lawmaker.

After the failed attempted assassination, the Secret Service claimed it was heavily dependent on local police to coordinate the security at the rally. Around six officers from Butler County tactical units assisted the counter-assault team in Trump's evacuation from the scene. In addition, two Secret Service snipers were at the rally, and another two were with the local officers.

"Secret Service always has the lead on securing something like this," said Pennsylvania State Police Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens to the media, adding, "We work with them to provide whatever is requested by the Secret Service, but they're the lead in that security."

Secret Service also denied the accusation put forth by Rep Mike Waltz, who claimed Trump was denied additional protection from the agency despite his team's repeated requests.

The agency's rep Anthony Guglielmi took to X (formerly Twitter) to deny the allegation, writing, "There's an untrue assertion that a former President's team member requested additional security resources & that those were rebuffed. This is absolutely false. In fact, we added protective resources & technology & capabilities as part of the increased campaign travel tempo."

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer stated he would call Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle for a public hearing on July 22.

Internet fumes as local police officer fails to stop shooter despite confronting him moments before he opened fire at Donald Trump

Netizens brutally criticized the local law enforcement authorities for their failure to stop Thomas Matthew Crooks despite confronting him on the rooftop. 

"These cops are unfit to serve. They should be fired!" wrote a person and another said, "Epic failure from the police on this one," as one more echoed, "Massive failure."

Someone else expressed, "Some need to be immediately fired for derelict of duty," whereas an individual questioned, "Why didnt he engage the shooter its ur job to take a bullet to save others. He failed in his oath shud be charged." 

"The police and Secret Service totally screwed up and there should be resignations," opined another person, with one more adding, "This cop needs to be fired and prosecuted!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.