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Acting Director of the Secret Service claims victim video proves 'failure' of Trump assassination attempt

Secret Service aware of time lapse between guns fired and camera footage: David Spunt

The U.S. Secret Service is aware of the delay between when James Copenhaver, who was critically injured in the shooting, captured images of the shooter on the roof and when the shots were fired, U.S. Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe stated during a Friday press conference, according to a report by "America Reports" co-anchor John Roberts.

 


Roberts noted that “the shooter’s head was visible above the roofline.”

“They are, John,” confirmed Fox News correspondent David Spunt, who attended Rowe’s Friday press conference. “The time lag is two minutes and 52 seconds. The Secret Service is aware of this and mentioned that it’s part of the ongoing investigation but didn’t provide further details.”

Spunt also mentioned that he had spoken to a Secret Service agent on Friday who requested anonymity, who expressed that “there needs to be accountability at higher levels.” When Spunt asked the acting director about potential accountability, Rowe was somewhat evasive, mentioning the ongoing investigation and personnel issues. Spunt pressed further, asking if the public would be informed about suspensions or terminations, without requiring specific names.

Rowe acknowledged that he would provide such information, noting the public's demand for accountability, Spunt concluded.

Rowe claims snipers were stationed at a Trump event, but the Secret Service hasn't spoken with any local law enforcement.

Acting U.S. Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe stated on Friday that the agency has not yet interviewed local law enforcement or the local snipers stationed at former President Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13.

“We’re beginning with our federal personnel and expanding from there,” Rowe explained in response to a question about the interviews. “If they are willing, we will request interviews with the local law enforcement officers who were present that day.”

Rowe also acknowledged that the Secret Service is still uncertain about the exact positions of the local law enforcement snipers before Trump was shot in the ear, noting that their evaluation of these positions was based on Secret Service assessments.

“We look forward to interviewing them and hearing their perspectives,” Rowe added. “This was a failure on the part of the Secret Service, and we are not trying to place the blame on anyone else.”

 


Rowe claims the Secret Service will now employ drones at events after not having one at Trump rally

U.S. Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe announced on Friday that the agency will begin using drones at future events, following the absence of one at former President Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13.

“We did not have a drone on site,” Rowe said during a press conference in response to a question. “We did not deploy a drone. From the information I currently have, I’m aware there was a request from a local agency to use a drone that day, and that’s part of the ongoing mission assurance review that I’ve initiated to gain further insight. One of the changes I’ve implemented since becoming the acting director is that we will now utilize unmanned aerial systems at event sites.”

Exclusive video obtained by Fox News shows the shooter on a roof just minutes before the gunfire started.

Rowe added, “We are deploying these assets now. We should have had a clearer view of those elevated areas. We believed they were adequately monitored by human observation, but it’s clear that we need to adjust our strategy. Moving forward, we will incorporate technology by using unmanned aerial systems to improve our coverage.”