In a shocking revelation, a former FBI official has come forward, stating that Secret Service agents may have mistakenly identified the shooter who attacked the U.S. President at the rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday as a police sniper.

The incident occurred when a 21-year-old man, identified as Nicholas Fudas, ran onto the stage at the BOK Center during the Trump campaign rally, causing panic and chaos. The Secret Service quickly responded to the situation, and shots were fired to disarm the attacker. The incident raised questions about the security measures in place at the event and potential intelligence failures.

The former FBI official, who has asked to remain anonymous, spoke to a news outlet on condition of anonymity, citing concerns about the sensitivity of the topic. The official, who has served as a top-level law enforcement official in the FBI’s Critical Incident Response Group, expressed concerns that the Secret Service may have mistakenly identified the shooter as a police sniper, given the situation.

“Based on the evidence I’ve seen, it’s entirely possible that Secret Service agents may have mistakenly identified the shooter as a police sniper, given the chaotic scene and the fact that the perpetrator was attacking the President,” the former FBI official said. “This is a common phenomenon in high-stress situations where individuals can experience what is called ‘perceptual distortion.’ In this case, the potential for mistakenly identifying the shooter as a police sniper could have been heightened due to the intense and dynamic nature of the situation.”

The official emphasized that the Secret Service and law enforcement typically receive extensive training on identification and verification protocols, including the use of audio and video evidence to confirm the identity of individuals. However, the fast-paced and chaotic nature of the situation may have compromised the usual protocols, leading to a mistaken identification.

The incident has raised questions about the Secret Service’s handling of the situation and the potential for future security lapses. The official called for further investigation into the matter and a review of the agency’s protocols to ensure that such a mistake is not repeated in the future.

“It’s crucial that the Secret Service and law enforcement agencies continually review and refine their procedures to ensure that they are prepared for any scenario, including the unexpected and unpredictable. This includes ensuring that officers are adequately trained to recognize and respond to potential threats, and that they have the necessary resources and equipment to do so effectively,” the former FBI official said.

The Secret Service has not commented on the incident, but the Tulsa Police Department has said that an investigation is ongoing. The incident has also sparked heated debates about the security measures in place at the rally and the President’s protocol in response to such threats.

As the investigation continues, many questions remain unanswered. The former FBI official’s concerns highlight the complexity of high-stress situations and the need for vigilant attention to detail in order to prevent future security lapses.