Janice R. Andrews
Authorities have disclosed that the guy who is suspected of trying to kill former President Donald Trump climbed over an air conditioning unit next to a building to get to the roof close to a rally, which is a startling development. According to sources who spoke with ABC News, Thomas Matthew Crooks, the suspect, bought a five-foot ladder from Home Depot before the event. The ladder, it seems, was not found at the scene and was not used during the climb.
Many concerns remain about how the 20-year-old Crooks was able to sneak up on the roof, have a clear shot, and fire multiple bullets at the former president while the FBI investigates. The inquiry is still ongoing, so it’s unknown what motivated the alleged gunman. The Secret Service said that Crooks was slain on the spot.
Finding a Distant Transmitter
On Tuesday, the investigators said that they had discovered a remote transmitter in Crooks’ pocket. There were two suspicious devices found in his car and one at his house; it’s possible that this gadget was meant to set them off. According to law enforcement officials, the devices were built in ammunition containers with comparable components in both locations, seemingly matching the remote control on Crooks.
Each device’s receivers were linked to other parts that, in the opinion of the investigators, might have been used to create functional explosive devices. Nevertheless, these devices’ functionality is still being assessed. It’s still unclear what the devices are supposed to be used for. It’s unclear if their intended purpose was to divert attention with smoke, fire, and a low-grade bomb, or to produce a large explosive effect and injure people.
Tactical Vest and Additional Discoveries
It is still unknown why Crooks did not wear a tactical vest during the attack on Trump’s event, despite the fact that one was found in the suspect’s vehicle. Investigators are wondering if he thought the strike would kill him. Furthermore, on Saturday, the day of the attack, Crooks had requested a day off from work from his company, although he had stated he would be back at work as early as Sunday.
Examining the Phone of the Suspect
Crooks’s phone has been unlocked by the FBI, but no important information about his intentions has come to light throughout the investigation. The contents of the phone were characterized by sources as “routine” for a male 20-year-old. Investigators have not yet discovered any evidence indicating that Crooks had helpers or other sources of assistance when executing his lethal scheme.
Involvement of the Pennsylvania State Police
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the Secret Service received “all resources” from them, including thirty to forty troopers who helped guard the rally’s interior perimeter in Butler Township, Pennsylvania. They made it clear, meanwhile, that they were “not responsible for securing the building or property” outside the perimeter of security, which is where the attempted assassination occurred.
Statement of the Secret Service
U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle verified that local police were inside the building when the gunman was on the roof firing at Trump in an exclusive interview with ABC News. Cheatle stated that the building’s security was the responsibility of the local government. “In this particular instance, we did share support for that particular site and that the Secret Service was responsible for the inner perimeter,” Cheatle stated. “And then we sought assistance from our local counterparts for the outer perimeter.”
Ongoing Research
The goal of the investigation is still to figure out how Crooks climbed to the roof and what his possible motivations were. The situation becomes more complicated as the remote transmitter and suspicious equipment are found. Authorities are putting a lot of effort into piecing together the events and figuring out if Crooks acted alone or with assistance from outside sources.
The attempted assassination of a past president has brought serious questions concerning political event security. The FBI is dedicated to learning the whole story of this incident and averting any more threats against public figures, working in tandem with local law enforcement.
