According to Daily Mail, just an hour before attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, Thomas Matthew Crooks was caught on a cameraman's video.

Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old, shot at Donald Trump, narrowly missing a fatal headshot and instead hitting his ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Crooks' Suspicious Behavior Overlooked

Thomas Crooks was observed walking around a building close to the event stage at Trump’s rally, not visibly armed at the time. This sighting occurred roughly an hour before he would climb onto a nearby roof to carry out his attempted assassination.

The presence of Crooks at the rally site earlier in the day was documented by a cameraman, who was focused on filming the large crowd gathering to hear Trump speak.

The Secret Service had earlier noted Crooks' presence because he was carrying a rangefinder. This device, typically used for assessing distance, placed him under scrutiny but surprisingly did not lead to a more thorough investigation or questioning by the authorities. Despite being on the radar, Crooks managed to enter the rally and later fetch an AR-style rifle from his car for the attack.

Compromised Security Measures Raised Alarms

Crooks’ preparation for the assault was extensive. Investigators found not only the rifle used in the shooting, believed to have been purchased by his father, but also explosives, a bulletproof vest, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and a remote detonator in his possession. The discovery indicated a planned and potentially more destructive attack.

Despite these preparations, law enforcement had initially photographed Crooks and had surveillance evidence indicating his presence at the rally. A specialized counter-sniper team, known as 'Hawkeye,' had also spotted him using the rangefinder before the incident.

In the moments leading up to the assassination attempt, Crooks made his way to the roof and fired only minutes later, as noted by the intercepted radio communication. The shot, aimed at Trump, grazed the right ear of the former president, who later appeared at the Republican National Convention with a bandage, illustrating the closeness of the call.

Unexpected Details Emerge About The Shooter

Before the rally, Crooks had taken a day off work, leaving a somewhat mysterious message with his colleagues that hinted at something amiss.

Marcie Grimm, an administrator at his workplace, expressed shock over his actions, noting that his background checks had revealed no concerns. A colleague reflected on the complexity of Crooks' character, recognizing him as a good person who had inexplicably committed a horrific act.

In a further twist, Crooks, though a registered Republican and recent college graduate, had also made donations to a progressive group backing President Joe Biden, adding layers of complexity to his political affiliations and potential motives, which remain unclear.

His father, unaware of his son’s deadly intentions, believed Crooks had gone to their local shooting club. Bill Sellitto, president of the Clairton Sportsmen’s Club, supported this statement and emphasized the club's community-oriented nature.

Community And Family Grapple With Shock

The incident left the local community and those who knew Crooks reeling from the implications. As someone involved deeply with a community that trains local police forces and is active with youth, the shooting has cast a long shadow over what many view as a betrayal of community values.

Crooks' actions also resulted in the death of retired volunteer fire chief Corey Comperatore, who was at the rally, adding a tragic dimension to the already shocking event and underscoring the indiscriminate danger of the attack.

The investigation continues as authorities piece together the details of this planned attack, looking into how Crooks carried out the shooting and the full extent of his intentions, which thankfully were not fully realized due to a mix of luck and rapid response by law enforcement.

Reflecting On A Narrow Escape

As details of the attack unfold, emphasis is likely to be placed on scrutinizing security protocols at political events, the psychological profile of the attacker, and the mechanisms of radicalization and weaponry access. The incident serves as a chilling reminder of the fragility of public safety, even with significant security measures in place.

This development has sparked a broader discussion on public figures' security, the effectiveness of surveillance and counter-surveillance measures, and the political and social climates that could potentially inspire such drastic actions.

In conclusion, the attempted assassination of Donald Trump by Thomas Crooks, caught on camera just an hour before taking a shot, underscores the importance of vigilant security measures, thorough background checks, and understanding the psychological components that drive such drastic actions. The community and the nation grapple with the implications of this near-tragic event, reflecting on the importance of safety and security in increasingly unpredictable times.