In the wake of a shooting at a Trump rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania, Butler Township Commissioner Ed Natali has strongly denied claims that the local police were responsible for securing the building from which the gunman fired. This incident, involving Thomas Matthew Crooks targeting former President Donald Trump, has led to a contentious debate about law enforcement responsibilities.
The Secret Service initially suggested that while they secured the immediate venue, local police were responsible for surrounding areas, including the American Glass Research (AGR) building where the shooter was stationed.
Commissioner Natali took to Facebook to dispute these claims. He asserted, “The Butler Township Police Department (BTPD) had no security detail for this event. There were seven officers all assigned to traffic detail. Period! The BTPD was NOT responsible for securing AGR or any other location. Anyone who says so, reports on it, implies it, etc… is uninformed, lying, or covering their own backsides.”
Natali emphasized that the local police were tasked solely with traffic management. When they received a report of a suspicious person, they responded but were not involved in the overall security detail.
During the incident, an officer attempted to pull himself onto the roof where the shooter was located. Natali explained that the officer was using both hands to climb and was not in a position to defend himself when the shooter aimed at him, causing the officer to fall and sustain injuries.
Natali expressed frustration over the blame game following the incident, stating, “It is completely disgusting to see finger-pointing has become the priority when we had four people shot, with one of the four fatally wounded. It is more important to affix the blame than address the problem.”
He praised the dedication and service of the BTPD officers, highlighting their commitment to their community. Natali reiterated that the local police were not responsible for securing the AGR building and criticized the spread of false information.
The controversy has shed light on the complexities of coordinating security for high-profile events. As investigations continue, the exact roles of various law enforcement agencies are being closely examined. The incident has prompted a broader discussion about the allocation of responsibilities and the importance of accurate reporting in the aftermath of such events.
