The FBI revealed that Thomas Crooks, the man who attempted to assassinate former President Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, accessed the roof of a building near the event by climbing up HVAC equipment and piping. He then moved across multiple rooftops to find a shooting position on a building owned by American Glass Research, located about 150 yards from where Trump was speaking. Crooks, armed with an AR-15, fired at Trump, hitting his ear, injuring one man, and hospitalizing two others. Investigators discovered that Crooks had purchased a ladder before the attempt but left it at his residence and did not use it at the rally.
In a press conference call, the FBI stated that Crooks had been at the rally site for about 70 minutes before the shooting occurred. They are currently working round the clock with over 300 agents and staff to gather facts and create a clearer timeline of Crooks’ actions. Law enforcement first noticed a suspicious person near the rally site an hour before the shooting, but it is still unclear how Crooks managed to evade security. Snipers took photos of Crooks and his bicycle left near the rally grounds before the shooting, with Senator Josh Hawley stating that they had visual confirmation of the suspicious person before the shooting started.
Upon taking the podium at the rally, Trump was delayed by an hour and began speaking around 6 p.m. Eleven minutes later, Crooks opened fire, killing one man, injuring two others. The FBI is still investigating Crooks’ motive for the assassination attempt and trying to determine whether he had any coconspirators. However, as of now, there are no signs indicating that others were involved in the plot. Despite the attempt on his life, Trump is expected to return to Butler for another rally in the future, although details of the event have not been released.
The FBI uncovered that Crooks had fired eight rounds from the rooftop where he was positioned during the assassination attempt. They also mentioned that Crooks had flown a drone near the rally site before the shooting occurred. The agency is actively gathering evidence to piece together a comprehensive timeline of Crooks’ activities leading up to the event. Law enforcement had identified the building where Crooks was located and observed his actions before the shooting took place. The Secret Service was aware of the suspicious person near the rally site, but it remains a mystery how Crooks managed to avoid detection.
The assassination attempt in Butler shocked the community and left many questions unanswered. While Crooks’ actions were premeditated and carefully planned, the motive behind his attack remains unclear. Investigators are diligently working to unravel the details of the events leading up to and during the rally. Despite the heightened security measures and law enforcement presence, Crooks was able to carry out his plan, highlighting potential gaps in security protocols. The FBI continues to investigate the incident and is committed to understanding the full scope of the assassination attempt and any potential accomplices that may have been involved.
As the investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Trump progresses, more details are likely to emerge surrounding Crooks’ motives and intentions. The community of Butler and neighboring areas remains on edge following the shocking events that unfolded during the rally. The FBI’s ongoing efforts to piece together a timeline of events and determine any potential coconspirators will be crucial in ensuring the safety and security of future events. Despite the violence that occurred, Trump’s plans to return to Butler for another rally indicate his determination to connect with his supporters despite the threats to his safety.
