According to Daily Mail, Thomas Matthew Crooks, who graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022, bought 50 rounds of ammunition just before the shooting took place, raising concerns about the timing and planning of his actions.
Despite serious security failures, including a missed rooftop sweep by the Secret Service, Trump survived with only a minor injury.
Authorities revealed that the Secret Service did not inspect the rooftop from which Crooks ultimately fired at Trump. The failure to sweep the roof was among a series of security lapses that came to light after the incident.
The would-be assassin positioned himself just 130 yards from Trump, utilizing an AR-style rifle previously legally purchased by his father. One bullet grazed Trump's ear, but his campaign noted he was otherwise unharmed.
Video footage surfaced on Monday displaying Trump supporters spotting Crooks on the rooftop and expressing their confusion about his presence. "Look, they're all pointing," one individual was recorded saying.
Numerous witnesses alerted law enforcement to a gunman at the top of the building, yet officers did not act promptly enough. The rooftop had been identified as a potential security threat, though it was only examined by local law enforcement.
Although Trump escaped with minor injuries, Former fire chief Corey Comperatore, 50, tragically lost his life trying to protect his family during the attack. His bravery in shielding his wife and two daughters was acknowledged in the aftermath.
David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74, incurred critical injuries but are currently declared 'stable,' according to medical officials. The bullet that injured Trump clipped his ear as he turned to observe a jumbotron showing immigration statistics; aides believe this action may have saved his life.
The deadly event was caught on camera by a Trump supporter, with the gunman being clearly visible moments before opening fire. "There he is, right there. See him?" the camera operator pointed out in the video.
The video was obtained by Annie Dance, a journalist based in North Carolina. It included text noting the ample time and opportunity to neutralize the threat.
Crooks is a registered Republican and made a $15 donation in early 2021 to a progressive group supporting President Joe Biden, showcasing an unusual mix of political affiliations.
The Bethel Park School District has confirmed Crooks' graduation and is cooperating fully with investigative authorities to understand his motivations and background. The school district's assistance is part of a broader effort to piece together the events leading up to the attack.
Thomas Matthew Crooks purchased ammunition hours before attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump during a speech in Butler, Pennsylvania. Security lapses, including a missed rooftop sweep by the Secret Service, culminated in Trump sustaining a minor injury with a bullet clipping his ear.
