Trump Rally Attack: A Planned Assault and Security Failures
On July 13, Thomas Matthew Crooks entered Donald Trump’s election rally in Pennsylvania, carrying a gun, explosives, and a rangefinder. The aftermath of the shooting exposes a meticulously planned attack and significant security lapses that facilitated its execution. Three congressional hearings this week with the FBI Director, the Secret Service Director, and Pennsylvania’s State Police Chief have shed light on what went wrong and left critical questions unanswered.
The Preparation
Crooks’ attack was premeditated, not a spur-of-the-moment act. The FBI identified July 6 as the inception date when Crooks registered for the rally and began researching presidential assassinations, specifically John F. Kennedy’s. This focus on Trump intensified, with searches and reconnaissance, including flying a drone near the rally site two hours before the event. The drone footage provided a clear view of the scene.
Crooks legally purchased an AR-15-style rifle with a collapsible stock from his father and obtained explosives. On the day of the rally, he was seen using a rangefinder, a tool to measure distance to his target. Authorities found two crude explosive devices in his car and a transmitter on his body. Additionally, a bloodied receipt for a 5-foot ladder suggested recent purchases, although no ladder was found at the scene.
A Plan in Action
Despite these preparations, Crooks managed to enter the rally venue undetected, highlighting severe security lapses. The venue had two security layers: an outer area patrolled by state police and an inner perimeter manned by the Secret Service, including an anti-sniper team. However, communication breakdowns and unclear responsibilities marred the day.
Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris revealed that his officers had raised concerns about the AGR International warehouse, the building from which Crooks fired. However, the Secret Service deemed it a state police matter. Consequently, a local ESU team was stationed inside the building complex, but they stayed indoors due to the hot weather, leaving the roof unguarded.
What Went Wrong?
Crooks’ first sighting by a state police ESU unit revealed a major security breakdown. Despite being flagged as suspicious, he was not challenged. About 25 minutes before the rally, he was seen using his rangefinder, yet no weapon was reported. A photo of Crooks was circulated among law enforcement, but he was not considered a threat due to the absence of a visible weapon.
During her testimony, former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle admitted that agents were informed about Crooks at least twice before the shooting. However, the gravity of the threat was not realized until seconds before the gunfire.
The Crucial Moments
As local police and the ESU team searched for Crooks, witnesses saw a man with a gun on a roof. By this time, Trump was already on stage. Crooks was eventually spotted by traffic police, but a confrontation occurred seconds before he opened fire. Trump was quickly evacuated off the stage, but Crooks had already shot dead one crowd member and injured two others before being killed by a sniper.
Key Unanswered Questions
There is little public information about the Secret Service’s actions during the rally. Cheatle, who resigned a day after her congressional hearing, provided few answers, including the number of agents protecting Trump. The motive behind Crooks’ attack remains unclear. FBI Director Christopher Wray mentioned that investigations have not revealed a specific ideology or belief driving Crooks. Searches of his home and online history, as well as interviews with associates, have not provided a clear picture. Crooks had made political donations to both parties but left no manifesto.
The investigation continues as authorities attempt to decrypt messages on Crooks’ phone and understand his intended use of the explosives. The unanswered questions surrounding this incident highlight the need for improved security measures to prevent such attacks in the future.
