Lara Trump and FBI Director Kash Patel Discuss Security Lessons From Butler, Pennsylvania Assassination Attempt

Top Points

• Patel told Lara Trump that the FBI remains focused on identifying security failures exposed during the Butler, Pennsylvania assassination attempt: He said the investigation centers on understanding how the shooter gained rooftop access, how communications broke down and how to prevent similar vulnerabilities at future high-profile events.

• Patel emphasized that the same security gaps involved in the Butler incident highlight the need for stronger coordination between federal and local agencies: He said that better intelligence sharing, improved perimeter control and unified planning are essential to protecting presidential candidates and the public.

• Patel said the FBI is using lessons from Butler to overhaul threat assessment and event-security protocols: He argued that by studying what went wrong and increasing vigilance, the agency can better anticipate risks and prevent future assassination attempts.

Full Report:

On a recent episode of My View with Lara Trump, host Lara Trump spoke with FBI Director Kash Patel about ongoing security concerns relating to the assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The July 13, 2024, shooting, widely investigated by federal authorities as a possible act of domestic terrorism, has prompted intense scrutiny of protective protocols for presidential candidates and former presidents.

Patel Addresses FBI’s Role in the Butler Investigation

Patel told Trump that the Federal Bureau of Investigation has remained actively involved in the investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at the Butler Farm Show Grounds in Butler Township, Pennsylvania. From the moment the incident occurred, the FBI assumed the lead role in investigating the shooting as a potential act of domestic violence extremism, working with local and state law enforcement to secure evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct a timeline of events.

According to official FBI statements, the agency has conducted hundreds of interviews, processed digital evidence, and pursued tips and leads as part of the exhaustive inquiry into the shooter’s actions and motivations. While the bureau has not publicly confirmed a motive, it has stated that investigators have examined the suspect’s digital activity and background to determine influences and planning efforts.

Security Breakdowns Highlight Persistent Concerns

The attempted assassination occurred when a 20-year-old gunman named Thomas Matthew Crooks climbed onto a rooftop near the rally and fired multiple shots toward the stage where Trump was speaking, grazing Trump’s ear, killing one attendee and injuring others before being stopped by a Secret Service counter-sniper.

In the aftermath, congressional and independent reports have highlighted serious security shortcomings on the day of the rally. Among the findings were inadequate coordination between the United States Secret Service and local law enforcement, communication breakdowns between agencies, and failures to secure vantage points such as rooftops that allowed the shooter to obtain a clear line of sight on the stage.

Patel told Trump that these security concerns reinforce the FBI’s focus on evaluating threat assessments and improving collaboration with partner agencies. He said that lessons learned from Butler are being integrated into planning for similar high-profile events in the future in order to ensure protection of candidates, former presidents, and the public.

Patel Stresses Continued Vigilance

During the conversation, Patel emphasized that the FBI remains committed to sharing accurate information as the investigation progresses. He said that while many aspects of the case have been documented, including physical evidence and witness testimony, key questions about motive and preparatory actions remain under review.

The FBI has stated publicly that its priorities include determining whether the shooter acted alone, whether any communications or planning preceded the attack, and whether other individuals may have been aware of or involved in the plot.

A Call for Enhanced Security Awareness

Trump used the discussion to underscore how events like the Butler shooting highlight gaps in existing protective measures and the need for enhanced security protocols for public officials. She noted that the incident not only exposed vulnerabilities in how perimeters are secured but also raised broader questions about planning and intelligence sharing across federal and local agencies.

Patel agreed that improved communication and coordinated planning across agencies is essential. He said that the FBI’s investigation continues to inform national security strategy and that ongoing reforms are aimed at addressing the vulnerabilities that were exposed during the July 2024 rally.

The interview provided a comprehensive look at how the FBI views its responsibilities in the wake of the assassination attempt and underscored the importance of adapting security protocols in response to evolving threats.

References

• My View with Lara Trump. Episode discussing FBI security concerns surrounding the Butler, Pennsylvania assassination attempt. Lara Trump, Rumble.

• Patel, Kash. Interview with Lara Trump addressing security failures, investigative updates and protective-protocol reforms. My View with Lara Trump.

• United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. Public briefings and updates referenced by Patel concerning the Butler, Pennsylvania investigation.