Authorities are diligently piecing together the events leading up to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks in suburban Pittsburgh. In the 48 hours preceding the attack, Crooks made several stops, including a shooting range where he practiced firing, a Home Depot where he purchased a ladder, and a gun store where he bought ammunition.
During Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Crooks opened fire on the former president from a nearby rooftop, equipped with an AR-style rifle. Investigators are still searching for a motive behind the attack, as initial searches of Crooks' online activities and personal belongings have not revealed any clear political or ideological motivations.
It was discovered that Crooks had an improvised explosive device in his car trunk, along with a remote detonator on his person, indicating a potentially more destructive plan. The AR-style rifle used in the attack was legally purchased by Crooks' father, who owned over 20 firearms, all legally obtained.
Crooks and his father were members of a local gun club, where they enjoyed shooting together. The club has expressed condemnation for the violence and is cooperating with law enforcement investigations.
Despite accessing Crooks' cell phone, investigators are still struggling to understand his motives. His parents have indicated that he had no friends and showed no clear political affiliations, leaving authorities puzzled about what led to the assassination attempt.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement officials are working tirelessly to unravel the mystery surrounding Crooks' actions and motives, hoping to shed light on the events that transpired before the attempted assassination of the former president.
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