 Correspondent Pierre Thomas. The Secret Service snipers who were part of the team responsible for protecting former President Trump were perched at a number of elevated locations. The shooter located less than 400 feet from the podium. Outside of the security perimeter, law enforcement sources telling ABC News, the Secret Service sniper faced a harrowing split-second decision. Once the sniper noticed the suspect was on the rooftop, he had to determine whether the man posed a threat. And when the shots were fired, it became apparent and the sniper opened fire, killing the suspect.