Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old man who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania campaign rally, had concealed the weapon he used in the attack before the event, according to a source from the Secret Service. The source mentioned that it was not known where exactly he had hidden the weapon, but by the time agents spotted him on the roof, he was already holding it.
Initially, when authorities saw Crooks with a golf range finder, he was considered a “person of interest” but not a threat. At that time, range finders were not prohibited at rally events, but officials are now expected to review the list of items that are not allowed. It wasn’t until Crooks was seen with a weapon that he became an official threat.
There were four counter-sniper teams positioned around the rally, consisting of two from the Secret Service and two from local law enforcement. Two of these teams, one local and one from the Secret Service, fired shots at Crooks, with a federal sharpshooter fatally hitting him seconds after the gunfire began.
Crooks had fired his AR-15 from the rooftop, hitting at least four people, including a 50-year-old father named Corey Comperatore who tragically lost his life, as well as David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74, who were seriously injured. There has been ongoing discussion about who was responsible for securing the building from where Crooks carried out the attack.
Former President Trump, who was targeted in the shooting, sustained a gunshot wound to his right ear. Despite this, he was seen at the Republican National Convention in Wisconsin later in the week, with a bandage on his ear. Corey Comperatore’s wake services were scheduled for Thursday, with his funeral set to take place on Friday in a private ceremony. The other victims have been reported to be in serious but stable condition after being upgraded from critical condition.
As the investigation continues into this tragic event, it serves as a reminder of the importance of security measures at public gatherings and the swift response of law enforcement in such threatening situations. The bravery and quick actions of the counter-sniper teams undoubtedly prevented further harm from occurring during the rally.
