A crucial new detail has emerged in the investigation of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The parents of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old shooter, alerted law enforcement about his disappearance hours before the attack, Fox News reports.
Crooks’ parents, concerned for their son’s well-being, called the authorities on the day of the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, to report him missing. This call came before Crooks opened fire at the rally, resulting in the tragic death of firefighter Corey Comperatore, who shielded his family from the gunfire.
Though the specifics of the parents’ conversation with law enforcement remain unclear, their cooperation with the FBI continues as authorities seek to uncover Crooks’ motives. This revelation raises questions about the adequacy of the security measures in place and whether the attack could have been prevented.
Further investigation has revealed that Crooks meticulously planned his attack. Witnesses reported seeing him with a rangefinder near the rally site before Trump’s appearance. Crooks also purchased ammunition and a ladder from Home Depot, suggesting a well-thought-out strategy.
Former Secret Service agent Bill Gage commented to Fox News Digital, “The purchase of a ladder indicates some level of advance planning. Crooks likely scouted the location and determined that a rooftop attack would be most effective.”
Crooks’ preparation mirrors that of past assassins like Lee Harvey Oswald and John Hinckley Jr., who also conducted detailed reconnaissance. Crooks brought explosive materials in his vehicle and carried body armor, although he did not wear it to avoid detection.
David Katz, a former DEA special agent, explained the significance of Crooks using a rangefinder. “The rangefinder shows that Crooks practiced and understood how to sight-in his rifle at a distance, considering the angle,” Katz said.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are piecing together the events leading up to the attempted assassination. This incident underscores the critical need for robust security measures and thorough vigilance at high-profile events.
