(Scypre.com) – A shocking incident unfolded at a rally for former President Donald Trump on Saturday night in Butler County, Pennsylvania, when a 20-year-old man opened fire, resulting in tragic consequences. Law enforcement sources indicate that prior to the chaos, a suspicious individual was observed carrying a range-finder near the venue.
Early Warning Signs
Just before the rally began, a local law enforcement officer spotted a man behaving unusually. The officer noted that the individual was seen “in or just outside” the event carrying what appeared to be a range-finder, raising immediate concerns. The officer took a photograph and promptly reported the sighting to state police. Initial discussions among law enforcement personnel included whether the object could have been binoculars, intended to gain a better view of the rally.
The Attack
Minutes into Trump’s speech, the situation escalated dramatically when the suspect, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, unleashed gunfire. According to authorities, the attack resulted in serious injuries to Trump, the death of a 50-year-old father of two, and injuries to two other attendees. A Secret Service counter-sniper responded swiftly to neutralize the threat.
The timeline surrounding Crooks’s presence is still under investigation. Reports suggest that he was seen on the roof without a firearm approximately 30 minutes before the shooting commenced.
Witness Accounts
In the aftermath of the shooting, several witnesses came forward, sharing their experiences and indicating that they had seen an armed individual before the incident. “Just because someone is on a roof doesn’t mean the counter-sniper guys can just open fire,” explained Bill Gage, a retired Secret Service agent with extensive experience in active shooter response. He emphasized that agents operate under strict guidelines and must perceive an imminent threat before taking action.
Eventually, Crooks managed to reach the roof carrying a DPMS AR-15 rifle, which law enforcement later confirmed was legally purchased by his father over a decade ago. Butler County Sheriff Michael Slupe revealed in interviews that a county deputy had confronted Crooks moments prior to the shooting. However, the officer was forced to take cover when Crooks turned his weapon toward him. “The officer had both hands up on the roof to get up onto the roof, [and] never made it because the shooter had turned towards the officer,” Slupe stated, highlighting the tense and dangerous moment.
Security Measures and Investigation
Security at the rally is generally coordinated by local and state law enforcement outside the perimeter established by the Secret Service. In the wake of the attack, the FBI announced it had accessed Crooks’s phone and was examining the device for further evidence related to the incident.
As of Monday afternoon, authorities reported that they were still investigating the motive behind Crooks’s actions. Preliminary findings suggest that he acted alone, but the inquiry remains ongoing.
Ongoing Investigation
Nearly 100 individuals, including witnesses and law enforcement personnel, had been interviewed by investigators by Monday afternoon, underscoring the seriousness of the situation and the urgency to piece together the events leading up to the attack.
As the community grapples with the fallout from this tragedy, questions surrounding the security protocols at high-profile events and the nature of threats faced by public figures continue to linger. The investigation into the motives and circumstances surrounding this incident remains a priority for local, state, and federal authorities.