In the days since the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, the pieces have begun to come together about what the shooter was doing in the lead-up to the attack.
The day before the shooting, Thomas Matthew Crooks went to a local shooting club and practiced on the rifle range, counsel for the Clairton Sportsmen’s Club confirmed to ABC News.
The 20-year-old purchased ammunition shortly before the incident, both online and in-person, according to law enforcement sources.
He asked his employer — a nursing home where he worked as a dietary aide — to take the day off on the day of the shooting, but said he would be back as soon as the next day, sources said.
Undated photo of Thomas Matthew Crooks.
Obtained by ABC News
On the day of the assassination attempt, he asked if he could borrow his father’s AR-15-style rifle, saying he planned to go to a shooting range, sources said. Because Crooks’ father had previously let him use the gun for target shooting, he was not suspicious that his son was planning anything of concern.
Crooks went to a local gun shop that day, where he bought 50 rounds of 5.56 mm ammo. He also stopped at a Home Depot to buy a 5-foot ladder, though it was not found at the scene and is not believed to have been used to access the roof.
He then drove to the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, parking about a third of a mile away at a gas station.
For at least an hour before the shooting, Crooks was seen walking around near the rally area. Crooks was seen in video obtained by Pittsburgh ABC affiliate WTAE pacing just beyond the boundaries of the Trump rally at 5:06 p.m., around one hour and five minutes before shots were first fired.
He was also seen walking around near the magnetometers minutes before the shooting, according to law enforcement sources. Some witnesses reported him as a suspicious person, law enforcement sources said.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is rushed offstage by U.S. Secret Service agents after being grazed by a bullet during a rally on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pa.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
He then made his way to a nearby building, climbing up air conditioner units until he was able to get on the roof of an adjacent building, according to sources. From there, he moved onto a taller building next to it.
Just before Crooks opened fire, rallygoers spotted him on the roof and tried to alert the Secret Service.
A Butler Township police officer attempted to stop the shooter, climbing up the roof to approach him, but Crooks pointed his gun at the officer, prompting the officer to retreat, according to Butler County Sheriff Michael T. Slupe.
It was at this point that Crooks began firing his weapon toward Trump, who at that moment turned to look at a Jumbotron, possibly saving his life.
A Secret Service sniper shot back at Crooks within about 15 seconds of the attack, fatally shooting him in the head.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, the man responsible for the shooting at a Trump rally in Nevada, has a history of violent behavior and extremist beliefs that ultimately led to the tragic events that unfolded on that fateful day. In order to understand the full scope of his actions leading up to the shooting, it is important to delve into his background and the warning signs that were present.
Crooks, a 45-year-old resident of Nevada, had a history of run-ins with law enforcement prior to the shooting. He had been arrested multiple times for various offenses, including assault and weapons charges. His violent tendencies were well-documented, and he had a reputation for being confrontational and aggressive towards those who disagreed with his extremist views.
In the weeks leading up to the Trump rally, Crooks had been posting inflammatory and threatening messages on social media, expressing his support for violent actions against those he perceived as enemies of his cause. He had also been seen attending rallies and events organized by far-right extremist groups, further fueling his radical beliefs.
On the day of the rally, Crooks arrived armed with a handgun and a cache of ammunition. He made his way towards the venue where the rally was being held, intent on causing harm to those in attendance. As he approached the crowd, he opened fire indiscriminately, injuring several people before being subdued by law enforcement.
The shooting at the Trump rally was a tragic reminder of the dangers posed by individuals like Thomas Matthew Crooks, who are driven by hate and extremism. It serves as a stark warning that radicalization and violent ideologies can have deadly consequences if left unchecked.
In the aftermath of the shooting, there has been a renewed focus on addressing the root causes of extremism and violence in our society. Law enforcement agencies are working to identify and monitor individuals who may pose a threat, while community organizations are stepping up efforts to counter extremist narratives and provide support to those at risk of radicalization.
The actions of Thomas Matthew Crooks leading up to the Trump rally shooting serve as a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance and proactive measures to prevent acts of violence and extremism. It is imperative that we work together as a society to combat hate and intolerance, and ensure that tragedies like this do not happen again.
