The local Pennsylvania sheriff defended the armed officer who encountered former President Donald Trump’s would-be assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks on the rooftop moments before the shooting — claiming it was the right call to retreat after the gunman pointed the weapon at him.
Butler County Sheriff Michael Slupe confirmed Monday that a local officer made contact with Crooks after being hoisted up to the roof by another officer — but fled when the sniper pointed his AR-style assault rifle at the officer.
“I would have done the same thing, absolutely,” the sheriff said.
“All I know is the officer had both hands on the roof to get up on the roof, never made it because the shooter had turned towards the officer, and rightfully and smartly, the officer let go,” Slupe told KDKA.
The gunman immediately fired up to eight rounds at Trump, wounding him and killing a hero firefighter in the stands. Two others were also wounded.