Thomas Crooks was initially considered a 'person of interest' by the U.S. Secret Service before being identified as a 'threat' during a concerning incident. Secret Service Spokesman Anthony Guglielmi revealed that Crooks drew attention due to his suspicious behavior and possession of a golf range finder.
According to Guglielmi, the shift from a 'person of interest' to a 'threat' occurred when Crooks retrieved a weapon and proceeded to climb onto a roof. This change in status prompted a different response from law enforcement, as dealing with a potential threat involves distinct protocols and actions.
It was emphasized by Guglielmi that Crooks was only labeled a threat once he armed himself and positioned on the roof. Subsequently, Butler Township police officers intervened when Crooks aimed his weapon at one of them while on the roof.
During the confrontation, Crooks fired shots at former President Trump before being neutralized by a Secret Service counter sniper. The incident highlighted the critical distinction between being a 'person of interest' and a 'threat' in law enforcement procedures.
