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From Fox News: Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old would-be assassin who opened fire on former President Donald Trump’s Pennsylvania campaign rally Saturday, hid the weapon in advance, according to a Secret Service source.
It was not immediately clear where he hid it, however. By the time agents spotted him on the roof, he was already holding it.
When authorities first observed Crooks carrying a golf range finder Saturday, he was perceived as a “person of interest” but not a “threat,” authorities said Thursday.
Crooks did not become an official threat until he was seen on the roof with a weapon.
Range finders have not been banned from rally events, but officials are now reconsidering the list of allowed items.
In all, Crooks shot four people, killing one rally attendee, critically wounding two others, and striking Trump in the ear.
The man killed was identified as Corey Comperatore, 50, and those wounded are David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74.
The report explains that four counter-sniper teams were positioned around the rally, according to the Secret Service – two from the agency and two provided by local law enforcement. Two of the teams opened fire on Crooks, killing him.
A chilling video shared on social media reveals just how closely Trump came to being killed. He turned his head just at the moment the shot was fired, which saved his life.
🚨🇺🇸NEW FOOTAGE SHOWS TRUMP DODGED PERFECTLY AIMED SHOT
Close-up footage reveals Thomas Crooks’ shot was perfectly centered on Trump’s head.
Trump’s ‘head tilt’ to look at a screen graphic and leaning into the microphone saved his life.
The footage was captured just seconds… pic.twitter.com/PDtNxBaAXy
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 17, 2024
BREAKING: Thomas Matthew Crooks hid rifle in advance of Trump rally sniper attack, Secret Service source sayshttps://t.co/zCeRsrmSsS
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 18, 2024
