Crooks’ cell phone and a remote transmitter were found next to his body after he was shot and killed by a Secret Service sniper.
It was also revealed that Crooks had asked his boss for a day off work on July 15 because he had “something to do”.
Law enforcement spotted Crooks hanging around the rally venue, the AGR International Inc. Complex, more than an hour before Trump took the stage. Officers noticed Crooks carrying a rangefinder, raising further suspicions.
Despite these observations, no additional security measures were taken, and Crooks was able to access the rooftop of the building where he positioned himself with a stolen AR-style rifle. Crooks fired multiple shots one of which grazed Trump’s ear, another tragically killed Corey Comperatore, who was shielding his family from the gunfire.
Explosives in car
The cell phone and remote transmitter found next to Crooks’ body suggest he may have been planning a more complex attack, potentially using an explosive device as a distraction.
Investigators believe the transmitter was linked to an explosive in Crooks’ car.
However, the Secret Service sniper was able to stop Crooks before he could carry out the full extent of his plan.
Law enforcement sources revealed that there were two sniper teams positioned near the building, but no local police officers were stationed on the rooftop where Crooks was located, contradicting earlier statements from the Secret Service director.
This security lapse allowed Crooks to access the rooftop and carry out the attack, albeit unsuccessfully.
The FBI is now investigating the two cell phones linked to Crooks, one found on his body and another with a dead battery at his parents’ residence. Authorities hope to uncover more details about Crooks’ motives and potential accomplices through the digital forensic analysis of these devices.
The discovery of Crooks’ cell phone and transmitter next to his body has only added to the complexity of the investigation, as authorities work to piece together the full extent of his planned attack on the former president.