Trump Shooter Used Drone to Scout Rally Site Before Attack, Report Reveals

Thomas Matthew Crook, the gunman who attempted to assassinate presidential candidate Donald Trump, reportedly used a drone to scout out the Pennsylvania fairgrounds before the shooting, according to a New York Times report quoting law enforcement officials.

The drone footage captured by Crook highlights significant security lapses leading up to Trump’s rally. Officials revealed that Crook visited the rally grounds on July 7, six days before the shooting, and made another trip on the day of the incident. Geolocation data from his two cellphones confirmed these visits.

Secret Service prohibits drones in secure areas

While the Secret Service generally prohibits drones in secure areas, it is unclear if this regulation was enforced at the Trump rally. The gunman’s drone, which was used to capture footage of the Butler Farm Show grounds by following a preprogrammed flight path, was later found in his car after he was shot and killed.

The Secret Service did not use drones themselves to monitor the event, raising questions about their surveillance methods.

Friends of Crook described him as a smart and quiet individual. He had been inspecting the rally site shortly after it was announced on July 3 and registered for the event on July 7.

The motive behind Crook’s attempt to assassinate Trump remains unclear and is still under investigation.