In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that Thomas Crooks, the shooter who killed a spectator and injured former President Donald Trump along with two others at a recent rally, managed to pass through Secret Service security with a rangefinder. This device, commonly used by shooters to measure distance for long-range shots, should have raised alarms but did not prevent Crooks from accessing the event.
Journalist Curtis Houck reported on X that Crooks was flagged by security early in the day but allowed to proceed. “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 wrote. Despite this, Crooks was able to return later and carry out his attack.
Crooks’ actions demonstrated clear premeditation. He had asked for time off from his job at a nursing home, telling coworkers he would return on Sunday. On the day of the rally, he was found with detonators, three fully loaded magazines, and a bulletproof vest on the roof from which he fired.
CNN’s John Miller provided further details, explaining how Crooks initially attracted attention near the magnetometer area due to his rangefinder. Although he was flagged, the lack of a visible weapon allowed him to pass security. Later, Crooks was seen using the rangefinder to observe counter-sniper positions, a moment Miller described as “eerie.”
Authorities later found two remote-controlled IEDs in Crooks’ car, and the remote controls were on his person. These findings suggest he may have had plans for a broader attack or escape.
The Secret Service has come under fire for these security lapses. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle pointed out 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 stated.
This incident has raised significant concerns about the coordination between the Secret Service and local law enforcement. As investigations continue, there will be a strong focus on improving security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
