Connect with us

Northeast

Trump assassination attempt: Grassley demands Secret Service answer explosive claims in bodycam footage

Published

on

Trump assassination attempt: Grassley demands Secret Service answer explosive claims in bodycam footage

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, is calling on the Secret Service to explain a Butler police officer’s claims that the agency met local law enforcement days before the attempted assassination attempt on former President Trump. The officer says in newly released bodycam footage that he had told the Secret Service to secure the building where shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks got off his shots.

Grassley is also demanding that the agency address assertions Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe made at a recent Senate hearing about the line-of-sight local counter-snipers had on the day. Local police are disputing the line-of-sight evidence Rowe claims they had that day. 

The lawmaker made the demands in a letter he wrote to Rowe on Friday as part of his ongoing investigation into the assassination attempt of Trump and the killing of local firefighter Corey Comperatore at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13.

FUMING POLICE OFFICER SAYS HE TOLD SECRET SERVICE TO SECURE TRUMP SHOOTER BUILDING DAYS BEFORE RALLY: BODYCAM

An alleged view of the position of counter-sniper teams at a Trump rally. The image contains a yellow marker depicting where Crooks was positioned and indicates that the local counter-snipers had a clear view of him.

Advertisement

“Were you aware of this body camera footage before your July 30 congressional testimony? If not, why not?” Grassley writes.

In the letter, Grassley calls on Rowe to “describe in detail the ‘Tuesday meeting’ that occurred with [the] Secret Service? If so, did you review it in advance of your testimony?”

“In addition, list all local, state, and federal personnel present at that meeting, provide all records and precisely answer whether the statement from the Butler Township officer is an accurate representation of events,” the letter states. 

In the bodycam footage, the local officer can be heard saying to a colleague: “I f—ing told them they need to post the f—ing guys over here … the Secret Service,” the officer says. “I told them that f—ing Tuesday. I told them to f—ing post guys over here.” 

Grassley writes that as of Aug. 9, Beaver County ESU claim that the Secret Service had not met with them to discuss the events of July 13.

Advertisement

“This type of meeting should be standard, even more so before you are sworn in and provide testimony to Congress,” the letter reads. “Unfortunately, this further points to the communications issues that are in part to blame for that day, that seemingly continue to plague the Secret Service.”

TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT: PENNSYLVANIA POLICE RELEASE BODYCAM FROM DEADLY BUTLER RALLY

The image depicts the position of local law enforcement’s counter-sniper team inside the AGR building. (Sen. Chuck Grassley)

In Rowe’s July 30 testimony before the Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security committees, he provided an image of the purported line of sight from where local counter-snipers were positioned. The image contains a yellow marker depicting where Crooks was positioned and indicates that the counter-snipers had a clear view of him.

However, Grassley writes that as part of his investigation, local law enforcement disputes the angle of the picture, stating to him that “the picture you provided neither accurately depicts their line of sight and coverage area from their position in the building nor their physical placement within the building.”

Advertisement

Grassley, in the letter, provides an image of what local law enforcement claim is “their true physical location” with two second floor windows circled. Other images show the local snipers line of sight and the rooftop where Crooks was stationed is not visible. 

A Beaver or Butler County sniper position is in place at the rally for former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024. The former president was shot at in an assassination attempt at the rally, resulting in the death of one of the rally goers. (Provided by Senator Chuck Grassley )

Grassley goes on in the letter to list a number of demands from Rowe, including calling on him to provide a site diagram where all local and federal law enforcement counter snipers were positioned as well as their assigned coverage areas, along with the shooter’s positions throughout the day.

He asks if such photographs and diagrams conflict with Secret Service records regarding how local snipers were supposed to be positioned and how the AGR building was supposed to be covered.

Grassley also wants Rowe to explain and provide records of what meetings took place before the rally and if the agency walked through the AGR building in advance of the event. He is also seeking to know if any federal law enforcement personnel at the event saw a person on the roof prior to Crooks opening fire. 

Advertisement

A Beaver or Butler County sniper position is in place at the rally for former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024. The former president was shot at in an assassination attempt at the rally, resulting in the death of one of the rally goers. (Provided by Senator Chuck Grassley )

Grassley has also written to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas about Asif Merchant, a Pakistani man with ties to the Iranian government, who is alleged to have sought to carry assassinate former President Trump, a case that was investigated weeks before the July 13 rally. 

Merchant was arrested on July 12 while preparing to leave the U.S., authorities said, after Merchant allegedly tried to hire undercover FBI agents as assassins. 

Grassley is asking Mayorkas for Merchant’s immigration records, including of he was granted significant public benefit parole before or after being placed on the terrorist watchlist.

Advertisement

Read the full article from Here

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Pittsburg, PA

Pittsburgh Steelers get injury updates on five players, including ascending pass rusher

Published

on

Pittsburgh Steelers get injury updates on five players, including ascending pass rusher


The Pittsburgh Steelers got some injury updates on Tuesday courtesy of head coach Mike Tomlin, with the most promising one being that pass rusher Nick Herbig should return this week against the Cleveland Browns.

Herbig suffered a hamstring injury against the Miami Dolphins and practiced late last week but could not make the final push to suit up against the Lions.

Meanwhile, four other players are working through soft tissue injuries as well. Cornerback James Pierre has a calf issue that has kept him out of the last two games, but he went through a workout on Tuesday and that could get him back on the practice field.

Tomlin seemed optimistic that Pierre would return to practice this week. He did not give the same level of optimism to guard Isaac Seumalo, who is still battling through a triceps injury.

Advertisement

Seumalo missed last week after not practicing, and could be out for another game if he can not practice. Spencer Anderson, his backup, will be limited after getting banged-up against the Lions.

Wide receiver Calvin Austin III has a hamstring strain that Tomlin said will leave as questionable this week, and will likely limit him early in the practice week. The same can be said for slot cornerback Brandin Echols, who is battling a groin injury.



Source link

Continue Reading

Connecticut

Owls, Storytimes, Lights, And Countdown Fun: Here’s What’s Happening Across Connecticut This Weekend

Published

on

Owls, Storytimes, Lights, And Countdown Fun: Here’s What’s Happening Across Connecticut This Weekend


CONNECTICUT — The quiet stretch between Christmas and New Year’s is anything but dull in Connecticut. With schools on break and families looking for ways to get out of the house, towns across the state are rolling out kid-friendly programs, glowing light displays, museum activities, and creative ways to ring in the new year early — or right at midnight. From owls in Mystic to trolley rides in East Windsor and countdown celebrations from Torrington to Hartford, this weekend (Dec. 26–28, with New Year’s Eve events close behind) offers plenty of reasons to bundle up and explore.

In Mystic, nature lovers can spend Friday, Dec. 26, learning about one of the region’s most fascinating nocturnal creatures during Vacation Day: All About Owls at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. Designed for kids on school break, the program introduces participants to local owl species through hands-on activities, live animal presentations, and outdoor exploration. It’s a great option for families looking to balance holiday downtime with educational fun.

Over in Greenwich, the Bruce Museum is hosting Once Upon a Museum: Winter Storytime from Friday through Sunday, Dec. 26–28. Held each morning, the program combines seasonal storytelling with museum exploration, offering young children a calm, creative start to the day. Parents can expect winter-themed books, light activities, and a welcoming introduction to museum spaces that keeps little listeners engaged without overwhelming them.

For families seeking something festive after dark, East Windsor is glowing thanks to Winterfest & the Winter Tunnel of Lights at the Connecticut Trolley Museum. Running on select dates including Dec. 26–28, the event features illuminated displays, holiday décor, and nighttime trolley rides through a sparkling tunnel of lights. The experience blends transportation history with holiday spectacle, making it a unique winter outing for all ages.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, Meriden continues its long-running seasonal tradition with the Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park, which remains on display through Jan. 2. The expansive park is transformed by thousands of white lights wrapped around trees, lining walkways, and reflecting off the park’s lake. Visitors can drive through or park and stroll, making it one of the state’s most accessible and popular holiday light displays.

As the weekend gives way to New Year’s Eve, Connecticut towns are preparing celebrations that range from family-friendly to full-scale citywide events. In Hartford, First Night Hartford 2026 takes over downtown on Tuesday, Dec. 31. This alcohol-free celebration features live music, dance, comedy, ice skating, fireworks, and activities spread across multiple indoor and outdoor venues. It’s one of the state’s largest New Year’s Eve events and a longtime tradition for families and night owls alike.

For those with younger children who won’t make it to midnight, Torrington offers KidsPlay Countdown on Dec. 31. Hosted by the KidsPlay Children’s Museum, the event allows kids to celebrate the new year with games, activities, and a countdown timed just for them. It’s festive without being overwhelming and lets families enjoy the excitement of New Year’s Eve without late-night fatigue.

Another early celebration takes place in East Lyme, where Countdown to Noon gives families a chance to ring in the new year before lunchtime. With music, activities, and a midday countdown, the event is tailored to younger children who want the thrill of a New Year’s celebration without staying up past bedtime.

Altogether, this post-holiday weekend highlights the best of Connecticut’s winter programming: educational nature programs, calm museum mornings, glowing light displays, and creative countdowns that meet families where they are. Whether you’re exploring owls in Mystic, riding a trolley through lights in East Windsor, listening to stories in Greenwich, or planning ahead for a New Year’s countdown in Hartford, Torrington, or East Lyme, there’s no shortage of ways to close out 2025 and step into 2026 with a sense of wonder.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Maine

York and Kittery resolve ‘border war’ dating back centuries

Published

on

York and Kittery resolve ‘border war’ dating back centuries


A long-running border dispute between Kittery and York over land along Route 1 has been resolved, officials from both towns say. The “border war” — which was lighthearted at first but later became more serious after York filed a lawsuit against its neighbor — dates back to maps drawn in the 1600s. (Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer)

Maine’s two oldest towns, Kittery and York, have resolved a centuries-old dispute over their borders.

The issue dates back to the 1600s but reemerged a few years ago after a land developer purchased a parcel of land along Route 1 that straddles the boundary between the two towns.

York officials contended the border was a straight line, while Kittery argued that the divide meandered eastward from neighboring Eliot to Brave Boat Harbor on the coast.

The dispute between the two towns remained friendly — with residents of both towns making tongue-in-cheek references to a “border war” — until 2022, when York filed a lawsuit against Kittery in an effort to redraw the border. But the lawsuit was soon dismissed by a York County judge.

Advertisement

Now, over three and a half years later, the two towns have reached an agreement on a new boundary that the Maine Legislature is expected to officially approve in 2026.

The revised boundary was drawn up after a 2024 survey, the cost of which was split by both towns.

The proposed agreement follows roughly the same border both towns had been using, save for an added 4 acres of land designated for tree growth that will officially shift from York to Kittery.

York Town Manager Peter Thompson said officials are thrilled to have finally reached an agreement.

“ People that have been at this a lot longer than I have are very happy that this is kind of the last piece,” he said.

Advertisement

Kittery Town Council Chair Judy Spiller likewise said she is pleased to put the dispute to bed.

“It was our belief that we could sit down and sort this out,” she said. “Finally, the Select Board agreed with us that we should get the land surveyed, and then based on the results of the survey, we would ask the state Legislature to approve the new boundary line.”

The dispute initially arose in 2020 after a survey paid for by the developer indicated the true border was actually 333 feet south of the border both towns had been observing for much of their history.

York officials said a straight-line border had been established in 1652. Kittery disagreed and argued that the process to change the border would be an expensive and complicated one that could affect several families and businesses.

In 2020, Spiller defended the boundary line the towns had been following in a letter to the York Selectboard.

Advertisement

“In any event, the Town of Kittery will vigorously protect and defend her borders against any and all claims now, or in the future,” she wrote.

While any boundary change would not have altered property ownership, some officials feared it could prompt major changes to affected residents’ taxes and where they would send their children to school.

But the final agreement will have limited impact, officials from both towns said.

The 4 acres that are changing hands are wooded wetlands that won’t be developed.

And Thompson said the taxes for the affected property owners will only increase by a dollar or two.

Advertisement

Considering Kittery and York’s friendly histories with each other, Thompson said he’s glad the neighbors have finally put an end to the dispute.

“ The people of Kittery were great to work with,” he said. “Once we got over the initial rough patch there, it’s been fantastic.”



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending