In the aftermath of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, law enforcement authorities are actively searching for a van believed to have been driven by the suspect, Thomas Crooks. The investigation into Crooks' actions has uncovered two working theories regarding how he concealed the rifle used in the attack.
On July 13, 2024, a brazen attempt on the life of Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump sent shockwaves through the nation. Law enforcement authorities have launched a widespread investigation into the incident, including a search for a van believed to have been driven by the shooter, Thomas Crooks.
Investigators are currently working with two primary theories regarding how Crooks managed to transport and conceal a DPMS AR-15 rifle onto the roof of the AGR building in Butler, Pennsylvania, without detection prior to the assassination attempt.
Tracking the Shooter's Van: Law Enforcement in Pursuit of Thomas Crooks' Vehicle
According to a federal law enforcement source, Crooks may have hidden the rifle near the AC unit he used to ascend to the roof. Alternatively, he could have kept it in the backpack he was carrying, along with a golf range finder.
If Crooks concealed the rifle in his backpack, it would have required significant disassembly and reassembly, a complex task to accomplish in a discreet manner. This theory is considered less likely.
Tracking the Shooter's Van: Law Enforcement in Pursuit of Thomas Crooks' Vehicle
The more probable scenario, according to investigators, is that Crooks hid the rifle behind the AC unit. This method would have been less noticeable and more convenient, allowing Crooks to retrieve the weapon quickly.
Fox News has reported that Crooks purchased a ladder and ammunition on the morning of the rally. However, federal law enforcement sources have stated that no ladder was found at the scene. Their working theory is that Crooks climbed upon the AC unit and then ascended to the roof.
Tracking the Shooter's Van: Law Enforcement in Pursuit of Thomas Crooks' Vehicle
Undated file photo of Thomas Matthew Crooks in a yearbook photo. Crooks is alleged to be the shooter in the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday, July 13, 2024. (Obtained by Fox News Digital)CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPFox News can also report that the Secret Service Counter Sniper who killed Crooks took only one shot. ". Each article should have at least 10 paragraphs.
It has emerged that a sniper team from Butler Township Emergency Services was conducting "overwatch" on the event from a unit within the AGR building. This team was monitoring the event for suspicious activity, while Crooks climbed to the roof above them.
Tracking the Shooter's Van: Law Enforcement in Pursuit of Thomas Crooks' Vehicle
Fox News has also learned that the Secret Service Counter Sniper who neutralized Crooks fired only a single shot. This precision shot effectively eliminated the threat, preventing further harm.
The investigation into the assassination attempt is ongoing, with law enforcement authorities continuing to gather evidence and pursue all leads. The search for Crooks' van remains a priority, as it could provide valuable insights into his movements and potential accomplices.
