Hello everyone! Let’s dive into the latest concerning incident involving a would-be assassin and the security at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. On Tuesday, Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris testified before the House Committee on Homeland Security, revealing some unsettling details.
Representative Andrew Garbarino asked if Thomas Matthew Crooks was the only person acting suspiciously that day. Paris replied, “No, he was not.” It turns out there were at least two other individuals who caught the attention of law enforcement. However, Crooks stood out because he had a rangefinder, making him particularly suspicious.
Crooks, a 20-year-old, was first spotted at about 5:10 p.m. on July 13. He was identified as a “suspicious person of interest.” Around 5:41 p.m., just 20 minutes before former President Donald Trump was set to take the stage, a sniper noticed Crooks using his phone and a rangefinder. The sniper snapped a photo and shared it in the “Sniper Group” chat.
Commissioner Paris explained, “There was a text thread that was going. They took a photo of him at some point when he utilized the rangefinder. The suspicion was heightened… I know from an interview that was immediately relayed in the command post to the Secret Service.”
Things escalated quickly. About ten minutes later, the Secret Service spotted Crooks on the roof of a building approximately 150 yards away from where Trump would be speaking. Alarmingly, a law enforcement officer assigned to monitor that rooftop left their post because it was “too hot,” according to a whistleblower.
Not long after, Crooks opened fire from the rooftop.
Paris emphasized that before Trump took the stage, Crooks was already deemed suspicious, although there was no immediate evidence he had a weapon. Crooks was suspicious not just because of his rangefinder but also because he was “walking around and not moving into the venue.”
Shocking development from congressional hearing on attempted assination of President Trump earlier today. Hundreds of people were in attendance, but only 4 people were designated as suspicious by law enforcement, with Crook being one of the 4. Who were the other three? #CoverUp… pic.twitter.com/kGanH0DKlR
— nycphotog (@nycphotog) July 23, 2024
For additional context, Paris mentioned that over 100 people needed medical attention due to the heat that day, and a six-year-old child was missing, which added to the chaotic environment.
This situation highlights the ongoing security challenges at political events, especially when high-profile figures like former President Trump are involved. The vigilance of law enforcement and the quick sharing of information were crucial, but there are still many questions about how Crooks managed to get into such a dangerous position. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.