An assassination attempt on former President Trump occurred during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024, resulting in one death and two injuries.

The assailant, Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired eight shots from a rooftop, hitting Trump in the ear but causing no serious injuries to him.

Crooks accessed the rooftop by climbing HVAC equipment and traversing multiple rooftops, positioning himself about 150 yards from Trump.

Local law enforcement had flagged Crooks as suspicious 90 minutes before the shooting but failed to intervene despite observing him with a range finder.

The Secret Service is facing intense scrutiny and criticism for its handling of security during the rally, leading to the resignation of director Kimberly Cheatle shortly after the incident.

In response to the security failures, at least five Secret Service agents, including Kevin Rojek, head of the Pittsburgh field office, have been placed on administrative leave.

The agency is currently reviewing its policies and procedures related to the incident to identify any violations that may warrant disciplinary measures.

Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi emphasized the agency's commitment to investigating the operational failures and holding personnel accountable.

In light of the incident, President Joe Biden announced multiple investigations, including internal reviews and congressional inquiries.

This incident has raised concerns about significant communication breakdowns among law enforcement, marking it as one of the worst failures in Secret Service history.

Crooks took approximately two and a half minutes to position himself before opening fire, highlighting a critical lapse in security preparedness.

As investigations continue, updates on the situation are expected, with ongoing discussions about the need for improved security measures at public events.