Crooks reportedly flew the drone over the Butler Farm Showgrounds following a programmed flight path prior to the event.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old gunman who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally, conducted aerial surveillance of the fairgrounds prior to the event using a drone.
On July 13, Crooks reportedly flew the drone over the Butler Farm Showgrounds, where the rally was held, following a programmed flight path, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. Law enforcement officials noted that the predetermined nature of the path indicated Crooks had flown the drone multiple times to scope out the area before executing the shooting.
During the rally, Crooks fired at least six rounds at the stage from a nearby rooftop while Trump was speaking. The attack resulted in the death of one rally attendee, critical injuries to two others, and a wound to Trump's right ear. Crooks was immediately killed by a Secret Service sniper team after firing his shots.
The use of the drone for reconnaissance has intensified criticism of the Secret Service regarding the security lapses that allowed Crooks to get close enough to fire shots at the former president. Law enforcement was made aware of Crooks' suspicious behavior at least an hour before the shooting when he was seen walking around the rally with a range finder and a backpack.
After the shooting, law enforcement found two homemade explosives in Crooks' car near the rally site. These explosives were designed for remote detonation from a device that was on Crooks while he carried out the shooting. Officers also discovered a ballistic carrier with three 30-round magazines inside the vehicle.
Further investigation revealed that Crooks registered for the rally shortly after it was announced and visited the grounds days later to conduct additional reconnaissance.
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