The FBI disclosed new information regarding the attempted assassination of former President Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The suspect, Thomas Crooks, accessed a rooftop near the rally site by climbing HVAC equipment and piping. He then moved across multiple rooftops before positioning himself on top of a building owned by American Glass Research, approximately 150 yards from where Trump was speaking.
Crooks, armed with an AR-15, fired at Trump during the rally, grazing the president's ear and resulting in the death of one individual and injuries to two others. Investigators found eight rounds on the rooftop where Crooks fired from. Despite purchasing a ladder prior to the event, Crooks did not use it during the assassination attempt.
The FBI revealed that Crooks had been at the rally site for about 70 minutes before the shooting occurred. Law enforcement had identified him as a suspicious person over an hour before the incident, but it remains unclear how he managed to evade security measures. The agency is actively working to piece together a timeline of Crooks' actions leading up to the assassination attempt.
There is ongoing speculation about Crooks' motives and whether he had any accomplices, although the FBI stated that there is currently no evidence of coconspirators. Trump, who was unharmed in the attack, is anticipated to return to Butler for another rally in the future, although specific details have not been disclosed.
The community of Butler and surrounding areas have been shaken by this incident, prompting heightened security measures and a renewed focus on ensuring the safety of public events. The FBI continues to investigate the case diligently, with over 300 agents and staff dedicated to uncovering the full extent of Crooks' actions and intentions.
