The gunman had reportedly extensively studied the location
According to the Wall Street Journal, Thomas Matthew Crooks, the individual who attempted to assassinate former US President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania last Saturday, conducted multiple drone flights over the rally site prior to the attack.
Law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation told the WSJ that Crooks successfully obtained aerial footage of the venue hours before the July 13 incident. He reportedly launched the drone more than once at the location.
Crooks is believed to have begun reconnaissance shortly after the rally was announced earlier this month. He reportedly registered for the event on July 7 and visited the site a few days later.
Officials stated that Crooks also conducted extensive online searches for dates of other Trump rallies.
While these findings provide insight into Crooks’ actions, they do not conclusively reveal his motive. Officials noted that he also searched for information about Joe Biden and the upcoming Democratic National Convention scheduled for next month.
The WSJ report raises concerns regarding the adequacy of security measures at the Trump event and the performance of the Secret Service, responsible for the former president’s protection.
Trump narrowly escaped death during the attack. The gunman fired at least six shots at the Republican candidate before being neutralized by a counter-sniper team’s return fire. Trump sustained a graze to his ear from a bullet. One attendee was killed and two others sustained critical injuries as a result of the shooter’s actions.