FBI Warned of Trump Threat 10 Days Before Butler Shooting; Security Team Present But Unsuccessful

On July 3, 2024, the FBI's Counterterrorism Division alerted the Secret Service about a potential threat to former President Donald Trump. They suggested positioning counter-snipers—trained marksmen positioned to watch for and stop threats from elevated locations—at Trump's planned rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13. Although counter-sniper teams were stationed at the event, they were unable to stop shooter Thomas Crooks from firing from a rooftop position, resulting in one death and three injuries. The ten-day window between when the FBI identified the threat and when the attack occurred has raised questions about how federal agencies prioritize and communicate about security concerns.