In a chilling incident at a Trump rally in Butler, PA, Thomas Matthew Crooks attempted to assassinate former President Trump. Newly released video footage captures the moments leading up to the attack, revealing that attendees frantically alerted law enforcement about a suspicious individual on a nearby roof.
The video footage, obtained by Fox News Digital, provides a first-hand account of the moments before the assassination attempt. Attendees can be seen pointing and yelling at Crooks as he stealthily crawls across a rooftop, armed with a rifle. The video clearly shows a sense of panic as the crowd realizes the severity of the situation.
Thomas Matthew Crooks' Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump: A Timeline of Events
Astonishingly, the video footage indicates that rally attendees had identified Crooks as a potential threat 86 seconds before he opened fire. They frantically pointed him out to law enforcement officers, presumably to alert them of his suspicious behavior. In addition, bystanders were seen fleeing the area approximately 15 seconds before the shots were discharged.
Thomas Matthew Crooks meticulously planned his assassination attempt. He purchased a ladder at a Home Depot store near his residence before the rally. The intent behind this purchase is unclear, but it is suspected that he used it to access the rooftop of a building approximately 410 feet from Trump's main stage, situated just outside the security perimeter.
Thomas Matthew Crooks' Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump: A Timeline of Events
At the time of the rally, four counter sniper teams were deployed, including two from the Secret Service and two from local law enforcement. Ironically, the building from which Crooks fired was designated as a "rally point" for one of the local counter sniper teams. According to a law enforcement official, a team was stationed in or near the building at the time of the incident.
One of the snipers observed Crooks outside the building, observing the structure and acting suspiciously. The sniper witnessed Crooks enter the building, sit down, and examine his phone. Moments later, Crooks was seen using a rangefinder, further indicating his malicious intent. The sniper promptly radioed a command post and attempted to escalate the information up the chain of command before Crooks fired.
Thomas Matthew Crooks' Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump: A Timeline of Events
Following the assassination attempt, a thorough investigation was launched by law enforcement agencies. Multiple firearms were confiscated from the Crooks family home. Crooks' father contacted the police to report that his AR rifle was missing after the incident. The rifle used in the shooting was legally purchased and may have belonged to Crooks' father.
Authorities have concluded that Crooks acted alone in his attempt to kill Trump. However, the motive behind his actions remains a subject of ongoing investigation. Classmates of Crooks at Bethel Park High School, where he graduated in 2022, described him as a quiet loner who was subjected to bullying.
Thomas Matthew Crooks' Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump: A Timeline of Events
The assassination attempt on former President Trump highlights the critical importance of public vigilance and the need for enhanced security measures at political rallies. The swift action of rally attendees in alerting law enforcement allowed authorities to take immediate action and potentially prevent a tragedy.
As the investigation progresses, it is crucial to determine the extent of Crooks' planning and any potential accomplices. Additionally, a thorough review of security protocols is necessary to identify areas for improvement and strengthen protections for political figures in the future.
Thomas Matthew Crooks' Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump: A Timeline of Events
