Shadow Network or System Failure? The Unanswered Questions Behind Two Assassination Attempts on Donald Trump

🔍 Executive Summary

In 2024, two separate but deeply troubling assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump rocked the nation. While both shooters—Thomas Matthew Crooks (PA) and Ryan Wesley Routh (FL)—were apprehended or neutralized, disturbing patterns, unexplained security lapses, and shadowy digital footprints have prompted questions that remain unanswered. This report explores verified facts, investigative failures, and theories involving intelligence manipulation, including speculations of CIA or Ukrainian ties.

Part I: Secret Service Failures in the Crooks Incident (Butler, PA – July 13, 2024)

1. Failure to Secure Rooftop

• The rooftop Crooks used was within 485 feet of Trump.

• Butler Police spotted him on the rooftop 20–90 minutes prior, reported him, but Secret Service failed to act.

• Standard protocols require all elevated positions near a presidential candidate to be cleared—this was grossly neglected.

2. Delayed Response & Lax Perimeter

• Crooks used a drone, a golf rangefinder, and carried a duffel bag—all suspicious behaviors.

• He roamed unsupervised for nearly an hour, and wasn’t engaged until he had fired multiple rounds, killing one and injuring Trump.

3. Command Breakdown

• The Secret Service did not secure the perimeter or deploy rooftop teams to cover known sightlines.

• There was no physical clearance or patrol of the building Crooks accessed—despite being clearly within kill range.

4. Lack of Transparency

• Secret Service has refused to release full logs of the event.

• Trump was given a classified briefing—not released to the public.

• Congressional leaders and Trump have both demanded full disclosure.

5. Hypothetical Scenarios

• Bureaucratic Failure: Tip lost or dismissed.

• Underestimated Threat: Crooks profiled as non-threatening.

• Political Optics: Avoiding “militarization” of event.

• Sabotage (Low probability): Willful neglect of warnings.

Part II: Comparison of the Two Shooters

Part III: Routh’s Ties to Ukraine and Shadow Networks

1. Claims of Ukrainian Intelligence Links

• Routh attempted to join Ukraine’s International Legion—denied by Ukrainian officials.

• He claimed to work with special forces figures, but was described by legitimate volunteers as a fantasist and “delusional.”

• Prosecutors allege he sought to procure RPGs and a Stinger missile from Ukraine via encrypted channels.

2. Mexican & Afghan Contacts

• Used WhatsApp to communicate with “Ramiro” (Mexico) and individuals in Afghanistan.

• These contacts reportedly helped coordinate weapons smuggling, although their true identities remain unknown.

Part IV: Intelligence Manipulation Theories

1. Speculation About CIA Involvement

• Some believe both shooters were manipulated by intelligence networks:

  • Crooks: Loner with encrypted apps, unclear motive.

  • Routh: Global contacts, deliberate planning, intelligence jargon in notes.

• These theories draw comparisons to MKUltra and “Manchurian Candidate” scenarios.

2. Why These Theories Persist

• Lack of full disclosure by the FBI and Secret Service.

• Historical precedents of covert psychological programs (MKUltra).

• Political polarization and rising distrust in government agencies.

3. Hypothetical Scenarios

• Covert Radicalization: Either online or in-person grooming by hidden actors.

• Proxy Warfare: Ukraine, facing shifting Western support, pushes rogue actors to act.

• Deep-State Sabotage: Elements within Western intel fearful of Trump’s return.

Remaining Unanswered Questions

1. Who within Secret Service received the Butler police tip—and why was no action taken?

2. Why were rooftops and sightlines purposely not cleared?

3. Why won’t the FBI release full forensic reports on encrypted devices?

4. How did Routh assemble 17 burner phones, drone surveillance gear, and overseas contacts?

5. Is there a connection—direct or indirect—between both shooters?

Final Word

These two incidents—spaced only months apart—highlight not just operational failures, but the potential that deeper forces are at play. Whether it’s bureaucratic negligence, fragmented intelligence, or darker manipulations, the American people deserve clarity.

A full, bipartisan investigation is not only justified—it’s necessary. Without transparency, faith in democratic safety and national security will erode.

References

• ABC News. (2024). FBI briefed Trump on details of assassination attempt.

• The Guardian. (2025). Trump assassination suspect sought rocket launcher from Ukraine.

• Wired. (2024). The Thomas Crooks conspiracy theories aren’t going anywhere.

• CBS News. (2025). FBI investigating multiple foreign contacts linked to Routh.

• New York Post. (2024). Trump: FBI must release Crooks phone data.

• Business Insider. (2024). Crooks searched Biden and Trump events before attack.

• Associated Press. (2025). Florida shooter faces multiple assassination charges.

• Wikipedia. (2025). Attempted assassination of Donald Trump in Pennsylvania and Florida.

• Politifact. (2024). Investigating the claims behind Trump rally shooter.

• Wall Street Journal. (2024). Authorities ignored early warnings about Trump shooters.