Thomas Matthew Crooks Attempts to Assassinate Trump at Pennsylvania Rally, Spotted 30 Minutes Before

Jul 17, 2024, 03:37 PM

On July 13, a gunman identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Crooks, a 20-year-old resident of Bethel Park, was spotted by law enforcement nearly 30 minutes before the shooting. Despite being under surveillance, Crooks managed to climb onto the roof of the American Glass Research complex and fired eight shots, grazing Trump and killing one supporter. Three police snipers stationed inside the building observed Crooks using a rangefinder to measure the distance to Trump but did not intervene in time. The FBI has accessed Crooks' cellphone and conducted extensive searches of his car and home but has not yet determined his motive. Crooks was also found with a transmitter and explosives in his car, indicating a potential plan to detonate devices. The Secret Service was aware of the threat 10 minutes before Trump took the stage but allowed the event to proceed. Crooks was first noticed by the Secret Service three hours before the rally and was photographed 62 minutes before the shooting. He was spotted by snipers 20 minutes before he opened fire. Investigations continue as authorities seek to understand the reasons behind the attack.