Thomas Crooks attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump by concealing a DPMS AR-15 rifle behind an AC unit on the roof of the AGR building in Butler, Pennsylvania. There are two theories regarding how Crooks managed to get the rifle onto the roof unnoticed. One theory suggests that he hid the rifle near the AC unit he used to climb up, while the other theory proposes that he carried it in a backpack along with a golf range finder.
According to federal law enforcement sources, hiding the rifle in a backpack would have required significant disassembly and reassembly, making it more likely that Crooks hid the rifle behind the AC unit. Reports from Fox News indicated that Crooks purchased a ladder and ammunition on the morning of the rally, but no ladder was found on the site. It is believed that Crooks grabbed the rifle, climbed onto the AC unit, and then onto the roof.
Additionally, it was revealed that a Butler Township Emergency Services Unit sniper team was inside the building, conducting overwatch during the event. While the team was monitoring the surroundings for any suspicious activity, Crooks managed to sneak up to the roof undetected.
The Secret Service Counter Sniper who took out Crooks only needed one shot to neutralize the threat, as reported by Fox News. The investigation into the attempted assassination continues, shedding light on Crooks’ online search history, which included terms related to depression, Trump, Biden, and the DNC.
The swift action of the Secret Service Sniper prevented a potentially catastrophic incident from occurring, highlighting the importance of vigilance and security measures in such high-profile events. As more details emerge from the investigation, the public gains insight into the meticulous planning and execution of the failed assassination attempt.