A local police officer retreated when the man attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump aimed his rifle at him, the Associated Press reported Sunday afternoon.
An anonymous source informed AP that the shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, pointed his weapon at the officer, who was climbing a ladder to confront him. Instead of doing his job, the officer climbed back down, giving Crooks the opportunity to take a shot at Trump. Thankfully, a Secret Service sniper quickly took Crooks down before he could do more damage.
Bomb-making materials were found in Crooks’ vehicle and home in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Law enforcement officials told the AP that the AR-15 style rifle Crooks used was purchased by his father about six months ago. Crooks, who was not carrying identification, was identified through DNA, according to the FBI.
“We do not currently have an identified motive,” said FBI Pittsburgh special agent Kevin Rojek during a Saturday night briefing. The FBI and local law enforcement pointed fingers at the Secret Service for the security lapses, but conveniently, the Secret Service failed to show up to the briefing to address these concerns.
“They conduct the initial site survey,” Rojek said. “They do the initial security assessments and determine where the different security locations should be. And they’re the ones who are in charge of securing the scene. We, along with other state and local assets, are there to support the Secret Service and their mission.”
Crook’s father told CNN that he was trying to understand “what the hell is going on” and would wait to speak to law enforcement before commenting. A blockade was in place near Crook’s home, preventing traffic and the media from entering the area as the warrant was executed.
Although Crooks is a registered Republican, campaign finance reports show he donated $15 to a progressive PAC on the day President Joe Biden was inaugurated in 2021. It’s almost as if there’s more to this story than meets the eye.
