By Joanna Putman
Police1
BUTLER, Pa. — Butler County Sheriff Michael Slupe has confirmed that an armed municipal officer encountered shooter Thomas Crooks before he fired shots at former President Donald Trump’s rally on July 13, KDKA reported.
Slupe stated that the officer was alerted to a suspicious person and was hoisted by another officer to the roof where Crooks was positioned.
The gunman, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, fired multiple shots at the stage from an “elevated position outside of the rally venue”
The officer let go and dropped off the roof when Crooks pointed his rifle at him, according to the report. Crooks then began firing into the crowd, grazing Trump, killing one bystander and injuring two others.
“All I know is the officer had both hands on the roof to get up on the roof, never made it because the shooter had turned towards the officer, and rightfully and smartly, the officer let go,” Sheriff Slupe told KDKA.
Crooks was ultimately killed by sniper fire.
Former Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company chief Corey Comperatore “died a hero” when he “dove on his family to protect them,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said
“I would have done the same thing, absolutely,” Slupe said. “I mean, people think the officers are supermen like you hold on the roof with one hand while you are hanging on for dear life and pull a gun out. It doesn’t work that way.”
Slupe acknowledged there may have been a security failure but stressed the importance of waiting for the investigation’s results.
“There is not just one entity responsible; the Secret Service plays a key role in protecting, in this case, former President Trump, but they don’t act alone,” he said. The Secret Service receives support from local police departments, which form a secondary ring of security around high-profile figures.
Effective presidential protection relies on more than just federal efforts. Learn how local officers can contribute, stay informed and maintain crucial roles
Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger noted that multiple local agencies assisted with SWAT teams and snipers, according to the report.
“We provided some snipers for them. Some quick response teams. We didn’t have any responsibility with securing the perimeter or anything outside of that venue,” Goldinger said. He explained that the hierarchy of command for security was led by the Secret Service, followed by state police, and then local municipal departments.
Slupe expressed concern over how Crooks accessed the rooftop and remained undetected.
With 300,000 fans expected to attend, officials emphasize coordinated crowd safety operations on the Las Vegas Strip
November 22, 2025 06:04 PM
·
Large-scale security planning requires redundancy, repetition and a culture of readiness
November 21, 2025 04:56 PM
·
A new, unified approach to public event safety is moving jurisdictions from reactive to proactive protection — driven by partnerships, data and purpose
November 10, 2025 01:19 PM
·
In Springfield, Missouri, police, fire and public works crews teamed up to roll out mobile vehicle barriers for a packed downtown Halloween celebration
October 30, 2025 05:13 PM
·
Overwatch is essential at large events — here’s how agencies can deny attackers the advantage and protect the public
September 24, 2025 11:03 PM
·
The assassination of Charlie Kirk highlights why law enforcement must strengthen security planning, training and response to protect public figures under threat
September 11, 2025 11:11 AM
·
The fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk underscores why overlapping security layers and coordinated planning are essential in today’s threat environment
September 11, 2025 12:27 AM
·
Volunteer teams alone aren’t enough — here’s why police involvement is critical to protecting congregations and reducing liability
From managing parking and monitoring street flooding to responding to wildfires and terrorist attacks, RTCCs are helping agencies tackle a wide range of public safety challenges
Drones are an escalating threat to stadiums, concerts and public gatherings — but law enforcement faces legal roadblocks. Here’s how multi-layered drone detection technology helps track, identify and stop bad actors
February 28, 2025 01:37 PM
The man fled in his vehicle after a Clearwater County Sheriff’s deputy confronted him over outstanding warrants; after officers stopped his vehicle, he shot a flare gun at them
December 01, 2025 11:46 AM
After a Cleveland paramedic was violently attacked on a call, University Circle Police launched a free self-defense course for EMTs and crisis responders
November 30, 2025 07:00 AM
·
“Officer [Edwar] Talia’s quick and heroic actions undoubtedly saved this baby’s life,” the Sterling Heights Police Department stated
November 30, 2025 08:00 AM
U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom was killed and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe was critically wounded in the attack
December 01, 2025 10:13 AM
