Local Police Officer Encountered Trump Rally Gunman on Roof Prior to Shooting: Sources
Alocal police officer encountered the suspected gunman at former President Donald Trump’s rally Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania, on a nearby roof before the shooting started — but retreated down a ladder when the gunman pointed a rifle at the officer, law enforcement officials told the Associated Press.
The AP, citing the officials, said rally attendees warned local police after noticing a male climbing to a nearby building’s roof not long before shots rang out.
The outlet said one local police officer climbed to the roof and encountered suspected gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks, who pointed his rifle at the officer — after which the officer retreated down the ladder and Crooks “quickly took a shot toward Trump.” The AP — citing the officials, who spoke to the outlet on the condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation — said that’s when Secret Service snipers shot the gunman.
Crooks, 20, was shot dead. CBS News, citing multiple law enforcement sources, reported that the gunman was armed with a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle and opened fire from a shed’s roof outside the cordoned-off rally area. Trump — who was seen on video bleeding from his right ear after shots rang out — survived the shooting and was whisked away by Secret Service. . .
Fox News, citing voting records, reported that Crooks was a registered Republican, adding that he only took part in the Nov. 8, 2022, state election due to his age. Reuters — citing a 2021 Federal Election Commission filing — added that Crooks at age 17 made a $15 donation to ActBlue, a “political action committee that raises money for left-leaning and Democratic politicians.” The outlet added that the donation was for the Progressive Turnout Project, a national group that rallies Democrats to vote. Reuters reported that the groups didn’t immediately respond to request for comment. (Read more from “Local Police Officer Encountered Trump Rally Gunman on Roof Prior to Shooting: Sources” HERE)
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