A former SWAT commander has expressed disbelief at Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle's explanation for not positioning snipers on a building during a recent rally for former President Trump. Cheatle cited concerns about the sloped roof of the building where Thomas Crooks opened fire, leading to one fatality and three injuries.
The former SWAT commander, Gene Petrino, with 26 years of experience in active shooter incidents, criticized Cheatle's reasoning, stating that there were more suitable locations for snipers to monitor the event in Butler, Pennsylvania. He highlighted that the building's sloped roof should have been identified as a vulnerability in the security plan.
Petrino also questioned the absence of drone surveillance at the rally and suggested that snipers could have been stationed at a nearby water tower for better visibility. He emphasized that the security lapse allowed the shooter to access the roof and carry out the attack.
Describing the incident as a significant security failure, Petrino held Cheatle accountable for the shortcomings in the security team's response. He raised concerns about the team's preparedness and decision-making following the gunfire, particularly noting the delay in moving Trump to safety.
Despite acknowledging the political optics of Trump's continued presence on stage after the shooting, Petrino emphasized the importance of prioritizing the principal's safety over crowd engagement. He criticized the team's failure to promptly remove Trump from the exposed area.
In conclusion, Petrino highlighted the need for a thorough review of the security protocols and decision-making processes to prevent similar incidents in the future. The critique of Cheatle's handling of the situation underscores the importance of effective security measures in high-profile events.
