Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20 year old assailant who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania campaign rally, hid his weapon in advance of the attack, according to a Secret Service source.
The exact location where Crooks concealed the rifle remains unclear, but by the time agents spotted him on the roof, he was already armed.The incident unfolded on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Initially, Crooks was observed carrying a golf range finder, which did not raise immediate alarm as such devices were not prohibited at rally events at the time. However, the situation escalated rapidly when he was later seen with an AR-15 rifle.
Timeline of Events
- 5:10 p.m.: Crooks was first identified as a person of interest
- 5:30 p.m.: Crooks was spotted with a rangefinder
- 5:52 p.m.: Secret Service snipers spotted Crooks on the roof
- 6:02 p.m.: Trump took the stage
- 6:12 p.m.: Crooks fired the first shots
The 20-minute gap between when Crooks was spotted on the roof and when he opened fire has raised questions about the Secret Service’s response. The agency had four counter-sniper teams stationed around the rally, two from the Secret Service and two from local law enforcement.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
Crooks fired at least four shots from the rooftop of the American Glass Research (AGR) building, approximately 130 yards from where Trump was speaking. The attack resulted in:
- The death of Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old father of two
- Serious injuries to David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74
- A minor injury to Trump, who was grazed on his right ear
The gunman was swiftly neutralized by a federal sharpshooter from the Secret Service, just 26 seconds after firing his first shot.
Investigation and Security Concerns
The FBI is leading the investigation into the assassination attempt, with support from other agencies. Key findings so far include:
- Bomb-making materials were found in Crooks’ vehicle and home
- Crooks’ phone contained searches for both Trump’s rally dates and the Democratic National Convention
The incident has prompted scrutiny of security measures at political events. The Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general has launched an investigation into the Secret Service’s handling of security for the rally.
Additionally, both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are set to receive briefings on the attempted assassination.As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine Crooks’ motive and whether there were any missed warning signs.
The tragic event has reignited discussions about political violence and the challenges of securing high-profile public figures in an increasingly polarized environment.