What I’ve processed since the shooter shot the shooter

My Mother told me to never talk to people about Religion or politics. Sorry Grace.

Barry Gipson
5 min readJul 15, 2024

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Donald Trump Thomas Crooks
IMAGE CREATED WITH CANVA.

The Pre- Game

While on active duty in the Navy in San Franciso, CA 2010 I was handpicked to escort active duty then Navy Admiral Eric Olson along with his team of advisors to and from an event. He last served as the eighth Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) from 2007–2011. He was the Bull Frog, the longest-serving Navy SEAL still on duty.

Since Saturday I’ve had a very close eye on social media. Why? A white 20-year-old named Thomas Crooks was shot dead while trying to shoot Donald Trump at his Butler Pennsylvania rally. The volume is louder than ever now globally. Like the remote just got up and changed the channel itself.

I’ve stood many armed security watches while in the Navy. The only thing I remember is that if I shot anyone in the line of duty I better have my fucking ducks in a row. If not I would be chipping bricks in Leavenworth, KS for a lifetime. Without the pay.

After processing a day's worth of information on this tragic event from the internet the obvious sticks out. How the fuck did he get that close without notice from the good guys beforehand? Even with advance notice?

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Barry Gipson

A Father, Dallas Cowboys, LA Lakers fan, and veteran sharing insights and more for the '24 NFL & NBA seasons. A pivot in content.