Topic: Rangefinder

Discussions regarding the security detail for Donald Trump highlight perceived failures in establishing perimeters around non-official presidential movements. Reports from Trump rallies indicate that while water bottle lids are confiscated, attendees are allegedly permitted to bring rangefinders into venues. The Secret Service stated that a full perimeter was not established at the West Palm Beach golf course because Trump is not the sitting President of the United States.

Journalist Nick Sorter reports that high-ranking sources at Meta confirmed the federal government demanded the immediate removal of Ryan Routh's social media profiles. Sorter also criticizes the Secret Service for inconsistent security protocols, noting that rangefinders are often permitted at Trump rallies while water bottle lids are banned.

Roger Stone discusses evidence of a security stand-down during the Butler, Pennsylvania rally, noting that local police and Secret Service knew of a suspicious man with a rangefinder 92 minutes before the shooting. He highlights that the counter-sniper had the shooter in his sights but allegedly waited until shots were fired before neutralizing him. These factors are compared to the security anomalies present during the JFK and Reagan assassination attempts.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene interrogated Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle regarding the security failures in Butler, PA. Greene questioned why Thomas Crooks was not neutralized despite being spotted with a rangefinder and a backpack 59 minutes before the shooting. Cheatle’s refusal to provide a timeline or name the agent in charge is characterized as a cover-up.

Donald Trump confirmed in an interview with Jesse Watters that he was never warned about a potential threat before taking the stage in Butler. Whistleblower reports shared by Senator Josh Hawley suggest that law enforcement was operating on uncoordinated radio channels during the event. The segment details how Thomas Crooks allegedly flew a drone over the fairgrounds hours before the shooting while the Secret Service faced mounting pressure over gross negligence.

Dallas Alexander discusses the danger of VBIEDs and weaponized drones, noting that Thomas Crooks' use of a drone before the rally was a massive red flag. He criticizes the decision not to apprehend Crooks when he was first spotted with a rangefinder, stating that any suspicious person near a VIP should be detained. Alexander also points to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas as a figure of interest regarding the security failures.

Video clips from the congressional hearing show Director Kimberly Cheadle refusing to resign even if Donald Trump had been killed, citing a need to ensure the investigation's integrity. She also refers all questions regarding Thomas Crooks' potential accomplices or motives to the FBI. Lawmakers grill Cheadle on why a rangefinder was not considered a prohibited item or a reason to stop the rally.