A newly released police photo has shed light on the final moments of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the would-be assassin of former President Donald Trump. The image shows Crooks' lifeless body sprawled on the roof of a prefabricated building, where local law enforcement personnel, including a counter-sniper team, had been stationed.
Key Findings from the Photo
Lying next to Crooks' body are two critical items:
- A Remote Detonator: This device is believed to have been connected to explosives found in Crooks' car.
- His Cellphone: A potential tool for communication or additional remote control.
Shortly after Crooks' death, investigators discovered a metal box of explosives in his vehicle, wired to a receiver. The remote control found with Crooks could have been used to detonate these explosives, indicating a far more dangerous plan with the potential for additional casualties.
The Foiled Assassination Attempt
Crooks' attempt ended moments after he narrowly missed a fatal shot at Trump. Secret Service counter-assault snipers neutralized Crooks seconds after he fired.
Concerns about Crooks were initially raised by a member of Beaver County's Emergency Service Unit (ESU) who spotted him scoping out roofs at the Butler Farm Show grounds approximately 30 minutes before the attack. The officer took a photo, which reportedly does not clearly show Crooks brandishing a rifle. Despite this initial sighting, it wasn't until bystanders noticed Crooks crawling on the roof that an officer confronted him. The swift response by the Secret Service snipers prevented what could have been a far worse outcome.
The Critical Moment
The situation escalated when a Butler, Pennsylvania, police officer, responding to suspicious activity and the commotion of nearby bystanders, was hoisted onto the roof by his partner to investigate. In a brief encounter, the 20-year-old Crooks swung his AR-pattern rifle toward the officer, causing the officer to fall from the roof and injure his ankle. This interruption may have forced Crooks into a rushed shot, which narrowly missed Trump, who coincidentally tilted his head just in time.
AR-pattern rifles, depending on barrel length, can be accurate over hundreds of yards. The distance between Crooks and Trump was approximately 150 yards, well within the weapon's effective range.
Despite this, Crooks was positioned outside the security perimeter of Saturday's rally. The rationale behind this perimeter setup and why the roof – which allowed such a clear shot – wasn't secured remains unaddressed.
Analysis and Remaining Questions
- Why was the Security Perimeter Set Up in Such a Way? The fact that Crooks was able to position himself just outside the perimeter raises questions about the planning and execution of the security measures.
- Potential for Greater Harm: The presence of the remote detonator and explosives indicates that Crooks may have intended to cause widespread damage beyond his initial target, perhaps as a distraction to escape.
Conclusion
This newly surfaced photo not only provides a clearer picture of Crooks' intentions but also highlights critical security lapses by the Secret Service.
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