The gunman who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump flew a drone over the scene of the shooting in advance, law enforcement officials told US media.
According to BBC US media partner CBS, they said it was unclear whether Thomas Matthew Crooks was killed hours or days before a major rally in Pennsylvania on July 13. Do this within days.
Trump, now officially the Republican presidential nominee, said he was saved “either by luck or by God” after a bullet pierced his right ear during a campaign speech.
One spectator was killed in the attack and two others were seriously injured.
Crooks, 20, was shot dead on the spot by arriving security service agents. subject to strict scrutiny About the precautions being taken to protect Trump at the rally outside Butler.
Security Service Director Kimberly Cheatle was subpoenaed to testify before a U.S. House of Representatives committee on July 22.
The Wall Street Journal first reported that investigators told CBS they were still trying to determine exactly when Crooks flew the drone.
They said they believed it happened within days of a rally at the Butler Farm Showgrounds.
Other U.S. media also quoted security officials as saying the device flew over the area on the day of the incident.
It is believed that the gunman used a drone to select the best view of the podium where Trump was scheduled to speak.
Liar fired multiple shots Taken from the roof of a building a little more than 130m (430 feet) away from Trump.
Trump said in a Fox News interview that aired in full on Monday that no one warned him of the potential shooter before he took office.
“How did someone get on that roof? Why wasn’t he reported because he was seen on that roof,” he said.
The drone found in the gunman’s car after the attack is now being examined by investigators.
Two explosive devices, a tactical vest and four magazines filled with ammunition used in the attack were also found in the gunman’s car.
The development comes as Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas pushed back against accusations that “some people” question the presence of women in law enforcement.
He praised the “skilled and well-trained” women serving at every level who “risk their lives and are on the front lines for the safety of others.”
Several female agents were involved in Trump’s security procedures during the Butler shooting, protecting him after the shooting and taking him from the stage to a nearby security vehicle.
Many social media users – including influential US conservative activists – later said female agents were not best suited to work in the Secret Service.
“There should be no women in the Secret Service,” one of the activists, Matt Walsh, wrote on X. Not women.
Some have also criticized recruiting practices that focus too much on diversity, equity and inclusion.
Mayorkas said the Department of Homeland Security will “continue to recruit, retain and advance women within our law enforcement ranks with great pride, focus and dedication.”
“Our department will be better for it and our country will be safer,” he added.
