Butler Township police officer encountered shooter amid Trump’s rally
A local police officer encountered the 20-year-old man who tried to assassinate former President Donald Trump Saturday, July 13, before he pulled the trigger.
A Butler Township Police officer climbed to the roof of the AGR International building and saw Thomas Matthew Crooks, of Bethel Park, who turned toward him just before the officer dropped down to safety, according to Butler County Sheriff Michael Slupe.
Slupe said the officer couldn’t have wielded his own gun under the circumstances. The officer retreated as Crooks quickly took a shot toward Trump, who was speaking at the Butler Farm Show grounds.
Officials said snipers shot and killed Crooks, but his fire killed one Buffalo Township man and injured three others — including Trump.
Butler Township Police Department didn’t respond with comment prior to deadline.
In an interview with CBS Pittsburgh, Slupe indicated the officer “rightfully and smartfully let go” in the incident.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This story was updated at 6:20 p.m., July 16 to reflect that the officer dropped down from the roof. A previous version of this story incorrectly said that the officer used a ladder to retreat.
