Former First Lady Melania Trump released a video on Tuesday expressing frustration with law enforcement for not arresting Thomas Matthew Crooks, the gunman who opened fire on her husband, former President Donald Trump, during his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July.
“The attempt to end my husband’s life was a horrible, distressing experience. Now, the silence around it feels heavy,” Melania Trump stated in the video. “I can’t help but wonder why law enforcement officials didn’t arrest the shooter before the speech. There is definitely more to this story, and we need to uncover the truth.” The video concluded with a preview of her upcoming memoir, Melania, which promises an intimate look into her life, featuring stories and images never before made public.
The July shooting at the rally resulted in Donald Trump, a 2024 GOP presidential candidate, being struck in the ear by gunfire from the 20-year-old Crooks. Two attendees were injured, and former fire chief Corey Comperatore was killed while shielding his family.
In the aftermath of the assassination attempt, Kimberley Cheatle resigned as head of the U.S. Secret Service, and several agents were placed on leave. The incident is also the focus of an upcoming book by Jack Posobiec and Joshua Lisec titled Bulletproof: How a Shot Meant for Donald Trump Took Out Joe Biden.
Whistleblowers have since disclosed that the Secret Service headquarters instructed agents overseeing the rally not to request additional resources for the event in Butler. The lead agent at the rally was reportedly “lacking competence and experience in the role” and was responsible for overlooking key line-of-sight concerns.
Crooks had managed to climb to the rooftop of a nearby building, providing him with a clear view of the stage where Trump was speaking.
Representative Clay Higgins revealed in August that he had attempted to view Crooks’ body, but it had been cremated just 10 days after the Secret Service Counter Sniper Team fatally shot him during the assassination attempt.