Staff Reports
Law enforcement reportedly caught a glimpse of the would-be assassin who targeted former President Donald Trump just half an hour before he attempted to shoot at a rally in Pennsylvania. The shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, was spotted on the roof from which he later took aim at Trump at around 5:45 p.m., according to local reports. An individual who saw Crooks on the roof took a photo and alerted authorities, though it was uncertain if he was armed at the time.
Prior to the rally, a law enforcement officer had noticed Crooks on the ground and reported him as suspicious. Despite attempting to locate him after taking his picture, the officer was unable to find him. Later, an officer encountered Crooks on the roof, where the shooter pointed his weapon towards the officer before opening fire at Trump, narrowly missing the former president. The Secret Service confirmed that local police were inside the building during the incident.
Daily Caller: Authorities Reportedly Spotted Trump’s Would-Be Assassin Nearly 30 Minutes Before He Opened Fire https://t.co/IUb0JbUKCz
— Ian Hansen 🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@IanHansenFeed) July 15, 2024
Following the failed assassination attempt, President Joe Biden has called for a thorough review of the security measures in place and lawmakers are also pushing for their own investigation. The shooter, Crooks, is 20 years old and reportedly had registered as a Republican, though he had made a donation to a Democrat-aligned political organization in the past.
The Secret Service has faced criticism for the security breach that allowed the gunman to take shots at Trump. The Beaver County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, and Secret Service have not yet responded to requests for comments on the incident. The shooting, which resulted in one attendee’s death and injuries to two others, has sparked calls for accountability and tighter security protocols at political events.
