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    Gunman Monitored Trump Rally with Drone Before Attempted Assassination

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    Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old gunman who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump, flew a drone over the rally site in Butler, Pennsylvania, just hours before the attack.

    The drone, equipped with a camera, provided Crooks with an overhead view that likely aided in planning his assault, the Wall Street Journal reports on Saturday.

    Crooks flew the DJI camera drone on a pre-programmed flight path over the fairgrounds where Trump was scheduled to speak on July 13.

    Later that day, he fired at least six rounds from a semi-automatic rifle from the roof of the American Glass Research building, approximately 150 yards from where Trump was speaking.

    Although Trump was grazed by a bullet, he escaped serious injury.

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    However, the attack resulted in the death of Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief, and left two other rally-goers critically injured.

    Crooks was shot dead by a Secret Service counter-sniper shortly after the attack.

    Investigators have since revealed that Crooks was identified as a suspicious individual more than an hour before the shooting, having been seen loitering outside the rally with a range finder and a backpack.

    However, police lost track of him, allowing him to execute his plan.

    Investigators have uncovered that Crooks began planning the attack days after the Trump campaign announced the rally on July 3.

    He is believed to have scoped out the fairgrounds multiple times in advance.

    On the day of the rally, police were actively looking for him for 19 minutes before the shots were fired, according to Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin.

    Crooks’ phone contained over 14,000 browser history links, providing insights into his meticulous preparations.

    He had researched school shootings, including the case of Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley, and had a mugshot of Crumbley on his phone.

    Additionally, Crooks conducted internet searches related to the Democratic convention, Joe Biden, depressive disorders, and explosive materials.

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    He brought homemade bombs, a bulletproof vest, and three 30-round magazines to the rally, indicating a well-thought-out plan to cause mass harm.

    Despite the extensive planning, Crooks did not leave behind a clear ideological manifesto. FBI investigators have noted that he appeared to dislike politicians in general, rather than targeting Trump specifically for political reasons.

    Crooks’ former classmates and teachers described him as a quiet and reserved individual, excelling academically but socially isolated.

    Crooks’ family background paints a picture of isolation. Both of his parents worked from home as licensed social workers, and the family’s home was described as cluttered and resembling that of a hoarder.

    Neighbors and classmates recalled limited interaction with the family. Crooks’ guidance counselor, Jim Knapp, described him as more interested in technology and gaming than in political matters.

    The attack on Trump’s rally has prompted scrutiny over security measures and the challenges of preventing such incidents.

    The use of a drone for reconnaissance before the attack is a concerning development, indicating the lengths to which assailants may go to bypass security protocols.

    James Densley, founder of the Violence Project, suggested that Crooks might have been intent on perpetrating mass violence and chose a political rally as the venue, rather than being driven by a specific political ideology.

    As investigators continue to piece together the details of Crooks’ actions and motives, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by individuals intent on causing harm, irrespective of their ideological stance.

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