Rep. Eli Crane Visits Infamous Rooftop Once Targeted by Trump’s Alleged Assassin

By Matthew Holloway |

Congressman and former Navy SEAL Sniper Eli Crane (R-AZ) conducted an on-site evaluation from the rooftop where an attempt to assassinate President Trump took place in Butler, PA. Crane, who has extensive military experience, shared footage of his findings, highlighting perceived lapses in Secret Service security protocols. His military background, including five combat deployments and nine years as a SEAL, lends credibility to his assessment.

Crane stated, “I’m on the roof of the building in Butler, PA, where shots were fired in an attempt to assassinate President Trump. As a former Navy SEAL sniper, it was clear to me that many security measures were dropped making Pres. Trump extremely vulnerable. Many questions still remain.”

I’m on the roof of the building in Butler, PA where shots were fired in an attempt to assassinate President Trump.

As a former Navy SEAL sniper, it was clear to me that many security measures were dropped making Pres. Trump extremely vulnerable.

Many questions still remain. pic.twitter.com/p2EhBTFg1M

— Rep. Eli Crane (@RepEliCrane) July 22, 2024

Crane’s video contradicts the official statement by Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle. He demonstrated that even a 70-year-old could easily access the rooftop, challenging Cheatle’s claim that the roof’s slope justified the absence of Secret Service personnel. Crane pointed out that security should have included snipers on nearby vantage points like a water tower.

Cheatle had told ABC News, “That building in particular has a sloped roof at its highest point. And so, you know, there’s a safety factor that would be considered there that we wouldn’t want to put somebody up on a sloped roof.” She added, “The decision was made to secure the building, from inside.”

Crane emphasized that appropriate sniper placement would have thwarted the shooter’s actions. “This guy wouldn’t have made it 5 feet up this roof. He would’ve been taken out,” he said. He also questioned why the Secret Service, allegedly stationed in second-floor windows of a nearby building, failed to neutralize the threat promptly.

This video was taken from one of the windows the Secret Service had access to, overlooking the entire roof.

As you can see, they had complete coverage.

Makes you wonder how on earth they allowed the shooter to access the roof, let alone crawl up it & fire several shots. pic.twitter.com/C1GTUAuPEa

— Rep. Eli Crane (@RepEliCrane) July 22, 2024

Crane’s evaluation aligns with Gene Petrino, a former SWAT commander, who also questioned the absence of snipers at critical vantage points. Petrino criticized Cheatle’s reasoning regarding the sloped roof as inconsistent with standard protocol.

During a House Oversight Committee hearing, Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) accused Cheatle of obstructing the investigation and failing to ensure the safety of Congress members. Luna asserted, “Every single member of Congress does not feel safe with you in charge. We are all sitting ducks with you directing the Secret Service currently,” and formally requested Cheatle’s resignation.

Matthew Holloway is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.