Someone on social media, who says he’s Jonathan Willis, claims he had the “assassin” in his sights for more than 3 minutes but was refused permission to take action by the head of the Secret Service.
The shooting incident at Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has sparked a wave of conspiracy theories.
Highlights
- On the forum, 4chan, someone said he was Jonathan Willis, the officer seen in the well-known photo of the two snipers on the roof at Trump’s rally.
- The post about Jonathan Willies surprisingly match the available testimonies quite closely.
- Some beleive, it seems like a made-up post on 4chan.
One particular post circulating on social media claims to be written by a Secret Service agent named Jonathan Willis.
Initially, the information surfaced on 4chan, but it’s important to note that it isn’t authentic.
Anyone can post anything on there, and this particular theory is spreading rapidly despite its lack of credibility.
Somehow, Jonathan Willis’s Claim Matched The Incident
The posts are probably fake, but they surprisingly match the available testimonies quite closely.
People are wondering why there was such a delay in stopping the shooter or getting Trump out of harm’s way, especially since the shooter shouldn’t have been on that roof with a rifle in the first place.
🚨BREAKING: Trump’s SS agent Jonathan Willis who was seen with a sniper aimed at the assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks comes out and says he had the assassin in target for at least 3 minutes but the director of Secret Service refused to give the order to take him out. pic.twitter.com/nGEdkSkR3y
— Donald J. Trump (Parody) (@realDonParody) July 14, 2024
Therefore, it prompts Jonathan Willis’s statement to be likely accurate despite the confusion.
“My name is Jonathan Willis. I’m the officer in the famous photo of the two snipers on the roof at Trump’s rally,” the post begins by saying. “I came here to inform the public that I had the assassin in my sights for at least 3 minutes, but the head of the secret service refused to give he order to take out the perp. 100% the top brass prevented me from k**ling the assassin before he took the shots at president Trump.
Further, Willis said that he disobeyed orders when the shooter began firing at Trump.
Despite strict instructions not to intervene, he opened fire immediately.
He had been watching the shooter for three minutes as he adjusted his rifle and scoped out his target
Clearly, Thomas Matthew Crooks intended to harm, yet Willis was prohibited from acting.
“After I k**led the shooter I was arrested, questioned by the FBI, and just released an hour ago. Already lost my job for not following orders, but I’m glad I took the shots anyway.
A Twitter user strongly believes the story matches the videos and standard Secret Service procedures exactly.
They suggest the person should share their account to clear their name from any accusations, acknowledging the tough position of always having to obey orders, even in challenging circumstances.
Most Folks Believe Jonathan Willis In The Picture Had Made A Fake Statement
Most Twitter users are commenting that the amount of false claims and misinformation circulating right now is outrageous.
There’s no evidence to support this. It seems like a made-up post on 4chan, as it wouldn’t make sense for a Secret Service agent to post on 4chan.
Why did the Secret Service order the snipers to stand down for 3 minutes? Eight minutes of officer, Statement from Officer Jonathan Willis. pic.twitter.com/eaiknYUDDo
— lilliedifab (@lilliedifab) July 15, 2024
Similarly, another Twitter user, who had a 30-year career, including extensive experience in SWAT roles, voiced doubts about the credibility of the statement.
They explained the rigorous procedures that follow such incidents, including investigations, rights readings, and legal protocols under the Officers Bill of Rights.
They concluded by labeling the alleged statement as likely fake and potentially harmful to law enforcement’s reputation if untrue.
Additional Information
- President Trump claimed on social media that he was hit in the upper part of his right ear during the shooting.
- The Associated Press tried reaching out to Crooks’ relatives several times but received no response.
- Several rallygoers reported to local officers that Crooks was behaving suspiciously and pacing near the magnetometers.
