Investigators have indicated that Thomas Crooks, who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on July 15, had plans for a more elaborate attack, possibly involving an explosive device as a diversion. Crooks’ body was found with his cell phone and a remote transmitter nearby after being shot and killed by a Secret Service sniper.
It was also disclosed that Crooks had requested a day off from work on July 15, citing “something to do.”
Law enforcement observed Crooks lingering around the rally venue, the AGR International Inc. Complex, over an hour before Trump’s scheduled appearance. Officers became suspicious upon noticing Crooks carrying a rangefinder. Despite these observations, no extra security precautions were implemented, allowing Crooks to gain access to the rooftop of the building. From there, he positioned himself with a stolen AR-style rifle and fired multiple shots, one of which grazed Trump’s ear and tragically killed Corey Comperatore, who was shielding his family from the gunfire.
The presence of a cell phone and remote transmitter near Crooks’ body suggests he may have been planning a more elaborate attack, potentially involving an explosive device to create a diversion. Investigators suspect the transmitter was linked to an explosive in Crooks’ car. Fortunately, a Secret Service sniper intervened before Crooks could execute his full plan.
Law enforcement sources disclosed that while there were two sniper teams positioned nearby, no local police officers were stationed on the rooftop where Crooks was situated, contradicting earlier statements from the Secret Service director. This security lapse allowed Crooks to access the rooftop and carry out the attack, although it was ultimately unsuccessful.
The FBI is currently investigating two cell phones associated with Crooks—one found on his person and another with a dead battery at his parents’ residence. Authorities aim to glean more information about Crooks’ motives and potential accomplices through digital forensic analysis of these devices.
The discovery of Crooks’ cell phone and transmitter near his body has added complexity to the investigation, as authorities endeavor to piece together the full scope of his planned assault on the former president.
