New details have emerged about the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump on July 18, 2024. According to Report, which cites CBS, a Pennsylvania state police sniper identified the potential shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, and sent his photo to the command post just minutes before the attack.
The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, unfolded in a series of tense moments:
Three police snipers were stationed inside the building from which Crooks later carried out his attack. One of these vigilant officers first noticed Crooks observing the roof of a nearby building. After briefly disappearing, Crooks returned, allowing the sniper to capture a photograph.
In a chilling development, the officer then witnessed the suspicious young man using a rangefinder - a device used to determine the distance to a target. This observation raised immediate red flags.
Recognizing the potential threat, the sniper who photographed Crooks with the device attempted to contact the command post via radio and send the photo.
It remains unclear whether the specialists received the sniper's alert.
After temporarily losing sight of Crooks, the police spotted him returning for a third time - now carrying a backpack. The sniper team immediately called for backup and reported the backpack, but Crooks had already ascended to his shooting position.
In a tense standoff, one police officer attempted to access the roof but quickly retreated when Crooks aimed his weapon at him. Shortly after, shots were fired.