Recent revelations about the shooting at former President Donald Trump’s rally have exposed significant security shortcomings. Thomas Crooks, the shooter, was identified by security as a person of interest well before he opened fire, yet he managed to bypass Secret Service protocols with a rangefinder, raising serious concerns about the security measures in place.
Curtis Houck, a journalist for News Busters, reported that Crooks was flagged by security after being seen with a rangefinder, a device used to measure distances for long-range shooting. Despite this, Crooks was allowed to proceed through the checkpoint. “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 noted.
Crooks’ behavior indicated careful planning. He took time off from his nursing home job, telling coworkers he would return on Sunday. He carried detonators, three fully loaded magazines, and a bulletproof vest, all found on him when he was apprehended on the roof from which he fired.
A video analysis by CNN’s John Miller provided further insight into Crooks’ activities. Crooks was initially spotted near the magnetometer area, carrying the rangefinder, which drew the attention of security. Although he did not have a weapon, his rangefinder was flagged, and security was instructed to watch him. Crooks then left the secure area, only to reappear on the roof later.
Miller described an unsettling scene where Crooks used the rangefinder to observe counter-sniper positions. One counter-sniper noticed Crooks looking at them through the rangefinder. “He’s looking at us looking at him,” Miller described, highlighting the tense moment.
Further investigation revealed that Crooks’ vehicle contained two remote-controlled IEDs, with the remote controls found on him. Authorities also discovered additional ammunition and a bulletproof vest, suggesting a potentially broader attack plan.
The Secret Service has faced criticism for the security lapses. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle clarified 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 explained.
This incident has underscored the need for better coordination between the Secret Service and local law enforcement. As investigations proceed, there will be a focus on addressing the identified security gaps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
