Following the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump, a clearer picture is emerging of the events leading up to the attack.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, the suspected shooter, engaged in several activities on the day prior to the incident. He visited a local shooting club where he practiced at the rifle range, confirmed by counsel for the Clairton Sportsmen’s Club speaking to media.
Law enforcement sources disclosed that the 20-year-old purchased ammunition both online and in-person shortly before the shooting. He also requested a day off from his job as a dietary aide at a nursing home, stating he would return promptly the following day.
On the day of the attempted assassination, Crooks asked to borrow his father’s AR-15-style rifle, indicating he planned to visit a shooting range, which did not raise suspicion as he had used the rifle previously for target practice.
During his preparations, Crooks bought 50 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition from a local gun shop and stopped at Home Depot to purchase a 5-foot ladder, though the ladder was not found at the scene and is believed not to have been used in the incident.
Crooks parked approximately a third of a mile away from the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, at a gas station. Video footage captured him walking near the rally area an hour before the shooting, with some witnesses noting his suspicious behavior.
Law enforcement sources observed Crooks pacing near the rally’s magnetometers just before the shooting. He later accessed the roof of a nearby building by climbing air conditioner units and then moved to a taller adjacent building.
Before opening fire, rally attendees spotted Crooks on the roof and attempted to alert the Secret Service. According to law enforcement officials, Secret Service snipers identified Crooks as a person of interest 62 minutes prior to the shooting.
Efforts to apprehend Crooks escalated when a Butler Township police officer climbed the roof to confront him, only for Crooks to point his weapon at the officer, prompting a retreat. It was during this confrontation that Crooks fired towards Trump, who fortunately turned to view a Jumbotron, possibly averting harm.
Read More: Lionel Messi Leaves Copa America Final with Leg Injury
In response, a Secret Service sniper swiftly returned fire, fatally shooting Crooks in the head approximately 26 seconds later, as detailed in an unclassified briefing by law enforcement officials.
