Trump grazed by bullet in chaotic Pennsylvania rally - Sherriff's worries revealed
7:42 AM EDT, August 18, 2024
ABC News reveals that before Donald Trump visited Pennsylvania, local police were calling for sniper support and rapid response teams. "It's going to be a circus there," wrote the local sheriff, fearing significant interest in the former president's rally, during which there was an assassination attempt on Trump's life.
On July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, there was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump's life. The former president, who is seeking re-election, was grazed on the ear, and the assailant fatally wounded another person.
Although a month has passed since the failed assassination attempt, it still captures the imagination of Americans, especially since new details of the event are coming to light.
"It's going to be a circus"
On Saturday, ABC News published previously unknown excerpts of conversations between authorities in Butler. The organization of Trump's rally involved considerable logistical chaos, particularly concerning the involvement of local services.
"It's going to be a circus there. Not enough room for the crowd that I believe will attend," wrote before the rally 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 support, surveillance, and rapid response teams.
However, the issue of additional protection came down to 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," according to the publication by ABC News.
