
The recent shooting at a rally for former President Donald Trump has revealed critical flaws in security protocols, as the shooter, Thomas Crooks, managed to pass through Secret Service security with a rangefinder. This device, typically used for long-distance shooting, should have triggered heightened scrutiny but did not prevent Crooks from accessing the event and carrying out his attack.
According to News Busters journalist Curtis Houck, Crooks was spotted by security carrying the rangefinder and flagged as a person of interest early in the day. “He went through Secret Service security WITH his rangefinder and scoped out the snipers, who spotted him and said they need to keep an eye on him,” Houck reported on X. Despite this warning, Crooks later returned and committed the shooting.
Crooks’ behavior prior to the event showed clear signs of planning. He requested time off from his nursing home job, telling colleagues he would be back on Sunday. On the day of the rally, Crooks was found with detonators, three fully loaded magazines, and a bulletproof vest, all discovered on the roof from which he fired.
CNN’s John Miller highlighted how Crooks’ rangefinder drew initial attention near the magnetometer area, where security personnel were screening attendees. Although he did not have a weapon, the rangefinder raised suspicion, and security was instructed to monitor him. However, Crooks left the secure area and reappeared later on the roof.
Miller described a chilling moment when Crooks was seen using the rangefinder to observe counter-sniper positions, with one counter-sniper noting that Crooks was watching them through the device. “He’s looking at us looking at him,” Miller remarked, emphasizing the tense situation.
Investigators later discovered two remote-controlled IEDs in Crooks’ car, and the remote controls were found on his person. This suggests Crooks may have had additional plans beyond the shooting.
The Secret Service has faced criticism for the security breakdown. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle explained that local police were responsible for securing the building from which Crooks fired. “There was local police in that building – there was local police in the area that were responsible for the outer perimeter of the building,” Cheatle noted.
This incident has highlighted the need for improved coordination between the Secret Service and local law enforcement. As the investigation continues, there will be a focus on addressing these security gaps to prevent future incidents of this nature.