During a recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate revealed that SWAT observed shooter Thomas Crooks using a range finder before his assassination attempt. This revelation prompted Committee Chairman Dick Durbin to question the witnesses about the significance of the range finder in identifying Crooks as a dangerous individual.
When Durbin inquired about the purpose of a range finder, the response indicated that it is typically used to determine one's proximity to a fixed location. While it was suggested that the range finder in question might have been intended for recreational or sports purposes, it still provided Crooks with the crucial information of the distance between himself and his target.
Durbin pressed further, questioning whether the identification of Crooks using a range finder should have raised immediate red flags about his intentions. The response from the witness acknowledged that Crooks had indeed raised suspicions among local law enforcement, but no further action was taken at that time.
The exchange between Durbin and the witnesses highlighted concerns about the potential missed opportunities to prevent the assassination attempt. Despite the use of a range finder and the suspicions surrounding Crooks, law enforcement did not intervene before the incident occurred.
This discussion underscores the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in identifying and addressing potential threats. The case of Thomas Crooks serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in preventing acts of violence.
