'Call It In To Command': Newly Released Texts Reveal Officers Knew Of Trump Shooter 90 Minutes Before Assassination Attempt

Recently released texts from law enforcement personnel running security during 45th President Donald Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, earlier this month have revealed the glaring security failures that occurred in the lead-up to the attempt on Trump's life. The texts, obtained by Sen. Chuck Grassley's (R-IA) office from the Beaver County Emergency Services Unit, revealed that authorities had seen the shooter at least 90 minutes prior to the shooting.

More than an hour and a half before the shooting, texts show that one of the local counter snipers, whose shift was ending, exited the AGR International building, where the gunman would later open fire from, and saw 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. The local officer sent a text to a group chat with other members of the security team to let them know that Crooks knew that the local countersniper team was positioned on the second floor of the AGR building.

"Someone followed our lead and snuck in and parked by our cars just so you know. I'm just letting you know because you see me go out with my rifle and put it in my car so he knows you guys are up there," the text, obtained by the New York Times, read. "He's sitting to the direct right on a picnic table about 50 yards from the exit." Other officers in the group chat responded with a thumbs-up emoji and wrote, "Roger that."

A half-hour after the departing officer saw Crooks, the 20-year-old was seen again just below the countersniper team positioned on the second floor of the AGR building. One of the officers took a picture of Crooks at 5:38 PM and asked for the Secret Service to be notified.

"Kid learning around building we are in. AGR I believe it is. I did see him with a range finder looking towards stage," the text sent 31 minutes before the shooting, reads. "FYI. If you wanna notify SS snipers to look out. I lost sight of him," the text says. "Also a bike with a backpack sitting next to it in rear of building that was not seen earlier. Call it in to command and have a uniform check it out."

At 6:11 PM, a Secret Service sniper team eliminated Crooks after he fired eight rounds at the Republican nominee and supporters in the crowd. The gunman was unsuccessful in hitting his target, only able to graze Trump's right ear, but one supporter, Corey Comperatore, lost his life, and two others were seriously injured.

The text messages are the latest revelation in the security failure that led up to the assassination attempt against a former president and current presidential candidate. The Secret Service, which failed to meet with law enforcement before the event, failed in its mission and should be held accountable.

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