The man believed to have attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump managed to reach the roof of a building near the rally by scaling an air conditioning unit next to the structure. Although law enforcement sources claim Thomas Matthew Crooks purchased a 5-foot ladder from Home Depot prior to the incident, it does not appear to have been used for the climb and was not found on the roof. The FBI continues to investigate how the 20-year-old managed to sneak up to the roof, fire multiple bullets at Trump, and evade capture despite being slain on the spot by Secret Service agents.
Investigators have discovered a remote transmitter in Crooks’ pocket that may have been intended to detonate two suspicious devices found in his car and one in his home. These devices were constructed in ammunition containers using components, including receivers, believed to be paired with the remote control discovered on Crooks’ person. The functionality of the devices is still being determined, as is their intended purpose—whether they were designed to cause a significant blast effect or serve as a diversionary tactic through smoke and fire.
A tactical vest was found in Crooks’ car; however, it is unclear why he did not wear it during the attack. Some investigators speculate that he may have anticipated dying in the process. Crooks had asked his employer for time off on the day of the shooting but stated he would return to work as soon as Sunday, the day after the attack. Thus far, no evidence has emerged suggesting any accomplices or additional assistance required by Crooks to carry out his lethal objective.
The FBI was unable to find any noteworthy information about Crooks’ intentions upon examining and unlocking his phone; only typical data for a 20-year-old male was discovered. Similarly, no evidence has emerged indicating that he required collaborators or more support to execute his plan successfully.
The Pennsylvania State Police provided “all resources” to the Secret Service, including thirty to forty troopers to help secure the interior perimeter of Trump’s campaign rally venue in Butler Township, Pennsylvania. However, local police were reportedly inside the building while Crooks was on the roof shooting at Trump; securing the structure fell under the jurisdiction of the local government.
U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle emphasized that her agency’s responsibility was to secure the inner perimeter around Trump, but the outer perimeter needed assistance from local law enforcement agencies. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has expressed concern over the failure of security measures that nearly resulted in Trump losing his life.
In response to criticism about the lack of security on the roof, the head of the Fraternal Order of Police, Patrick Yoes, stated that local law enforcement agencies should play a role in assisting the Secret Service during events like this one. He argued that suggesting otherwise demonstrates a lack of understanding about how these events are managed and secured. As the election nears, it is expected that the Secret Service will rely more heavily on local police departments for support at similar events.
