REVEALED: Counter snipers’ texts show they were aware of Thomas Matthew Crooks 90 mins before Trump shooting

According to the Associated Press, Trump has agreed to do an interview with the FBI after the agency has been asking for the opportunity to do so over the last few days. This is being reported as revelations on texts from the counter snipers are coming to light.

In text messages obtained by the New York Times, one counter sniper texted at 4:26 pm that he had noticed a man, who was later confirmed to be Crooks at a picnic table. "Someone followed our lead and snuck in and parked by our cars just so you know. I'm just letting you know because you see me go out with my rifle and put it in my car so he knows you guys are up there," the counter sniper who was ending his shift wrote in a group chat. The chat had multiple agents on the team protecting Trump that day.

The one calling off his shift said Crooks was "sitting to the direct right on a picnic table about 50 yards from the exit" in a message sent at 4:27 pm, just a little over 90 minutes before Crooks fired off the shots. Two other counter snipers sent messages to acknowledge that they saw the text from the sniper ending his shift.

One counter sniper sent messages at around 5:38 pm containing pictures of Crooks to the chat, "Kid learning around building we are in," one wrote. "I did see him with a range finder looking towards stage. FYI. If you wanna notify SS snipers to look out. I lost sight of him." Photos of Crooks outside the building were also sent to the chat.

It has also been revealed that Crooks was in the area for three hours prior to the rally. He was never stopped or questioned. He later climbed onto the roof and attempted to assassinate Trump at 6:12 pm from the roof. Crooks struck Trump in the ear as well as critically injuring 57-year-old David Dutch and 74-year-old James Copenhaver. Corey Comperatore, 50, died shielding his wife and daughters from the bullets.