Staff Reports
In a shocking turn of events, new evidence from the shooter’s phone suggests that the failed assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump may have been part of a larger plot targeting President Joe Biden as well. Photos of both Trump and Biden were discovered in the phone of Thomas Crooks, the 20-year-old assailant who was ultimately shot and killed after firing at Trump with an AR-15 rifle.
But it doesn’t stop there. The phone also contained images of other high-profile figures, including U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and a member of the British Royal Family. It’s unclear who exactly Crooks intended to target, but the sheer breadth of his chilling photo collection is cause for concern.
NEW: Investigators Reveal Latest Findings From Shooter's Phone https://t.co/WMtEf6EKK8
— Cloma Field (@cloma_field) July 20, 2024
Moreover, disturbing searches conducted on Crooks’ phone revealed information about major depressive disorder and the Trump rally that took place in Pennsylvania. This raises questions about the shooter’s mental state and if he was influenced by the divisive rhetoric surrounding the former president. It’s alarming that his parents even reported their AR-15 rifle being stolen before Crooks disappeared, indicating possible premeditation.
The incompetence of local law enforcement cannot be overlooked either. Reports suggest that security personnel at the rally observed Crooks lurking around the site as early as six days before the event took place. They even witnessed him crawling along the ground with a rangefinder, clearly indicating his malicious intent. Yet, this suspicious behavior was not acted upon, leading to the catastrophic consequences we now face.
These revelations have sparked outrage among Republican lawmakers. Senator Josh Hawley has publicly condemned DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas after a whistleblower alleged that President Trump’s security detail was improperly staffed with untrained guards. The secret rooftop where Crooks positioned himself remained unguarded, and Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has faced scrutiny for her vague responses about this glaring security gap.
As investigators grapple with the puzzle of Crooks’ motive, they have encountered more questions than answers. Although the young man was a registered Republican, his own family’s political differences only deepen the mystery. With his mother a registered Democrat and his father a libertarian, it appears that his motivations may not be solely based on political allegiance. Former classmates describe him as a “Trump hater,” but also disillusioned with the major parties as a whole.
The chilling message Crooks sent to fellow gamers on a message board, indicating that July 13th would be his “premiere” to the world, underscores the need for a thorough investigation into his online activities and potential influences. As this tragedy unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder that we must remain vigilant against those who harbor such deep-seated hatred and malicious intent. Our security is at stake, and we cannot afford to miss the warning signs that lie before us.
