New Details Emerge in Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump
Butler Township, PA – The FBI has uncovered new details in their investigation of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, shedding light on the extensive preparations made by the suspect, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks.
According to authorities, Crooks, who fired at Trump from a rooftop during a rally, was carrying a range finder, a tool commonly used by shooters to determine distance. In a startling revelation, officials reported that Crooks and a Secret Service sniper team briefly locked eyes through their respective range finders. However, since Crooks did not have his weapon drawn at that moment, the sniper team merely found the encounter odd and did not raise an alarm.
Further investigation into Crooks’ vehicle and personal belongings has revealed a more comprehensive and dangerous plan. The FBI discovered three remote explosives in Crooks’ car, with the remotes found on his person at the time of the shooting. Additionally, Crooks was wearing a bulletproof vest and had hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
Security Lapses and Community Reactions
The incident, which took place on a rooftop approximately 400 feet from the rally stage, has led to scrutiny over security measures at the event. The Pennsylvania State Police clarified that their role was limited to providing support within the inner perimeter of the rally, while the Secret Service and local authorities were responsible for the outer perimeter, including the building from which Crooks fired.
U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle emphasized the collaborative effort in securing the event. “In this particular instance, we did share support for that particular site and the Secret Service was responsible for the inner perimeter. We sought assistance from our local counterparts for the outer perimeter,” Cheatle said.
Federal Warnings and Investigation Progress
The FBI, leading the investigation, along with the Department of Homeland Security, has issued warnings about potential retaliatory acts of violence following the assassination attempt. Crooks’ cellphone, currently being analyzed at Quantico, and the search of his home have provided additional insights into his actions and preparations.
The search of Crooks’ vehicle also led to the discovery of several packages marked as potentially containing hazardous materials. On the day of the shooting, Crooks purchased 50 rounds of ammunition and borrowed his father’s AR-15-style rifle under the pretext of going to a shooting range.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
Local gun shops, including Allegheny Arms & Gun Works, are cooperating with law enforcement to provide information on Crooks’ ammunition purchases. The FBI has conducted nearly 100 interviews with law enforcement personnel, event attendees, and other witnesses to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the shooting.
Motive and Further Investigations
The federal investigation focuses on uncovering Crooks’ motives and whether he had any accomplices. President Joe Biden, in an address from the Oval Office, highlighted the need for thorough investigation into Crooks’ opinions, affiliations, and potential communication with others.
Immediate Aftermath
During the rally, Trump was hit in the ear and taken to the ground by Secret Service agents. A bystander, 50-year-old Corey Comperatore, was killed while protecting his family. Two others, David Dutch and James Copenhaver, were injured and are in stable condition.
Witnesses reported seeing Crooks on the rooftop before the shooting. A Butler Township police officer engaged the gunman but had to retreat. The suspect was ultimately shot and killed by a Secret Service counter sniper.
Ongoing Reviews and Statements
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, overseeing the Secret Service, emphasized the need for an independent investigation to ensure the integrity of the process. He assured that the Secret Service had not rebuffed any requests for additional security measures.
Following the attempt, Biden ordered a review of security plans for the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle assured that adjustments to security plans have been made to ensure safety at the convention and for the remainder of Trump’s campaign.
As the investigation continues, the FBI and Secret Service remain focused on determining the sequence of events, Crooks’ motives, and ensuring such incidents are prevented in the future.
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