Overview
The FBI is investigating the use of a drone by the gunman who opened fire at former President Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. The drone, flown by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was recovered by the FBI and is being analyzed for its potential role in the attack.
Why It Matters
This incident highlights concerns about the use of drones for surveillance and potential threats to public safety at political events, raising questions about security measures and the preparedness of law enforcement agencies.
Who It Impacts
The investigation impacts all Americans who attend political rallies and public events, as it underscores the need for enhanced security to protect citizens and public figures.
The FBI is investigating the use of a drone by Thomas Matthew Crooks, the gunman who opened fire at former President Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania earlier this month. FBI Director Christopher Wray revealed during a House Judiciary Committee hearing that Crooks had flown a drone near the rally venue for approximately 11 minutes prior to the shooting. The drone, along with its controller, was recovered from Crooks’ vehicle and is currently being analyzed by the FBI lab.
In his testimony, Wray indicated that the drone was flown around 3:50 p.m., roughly two hours before Crooks began his shooting spree from a rooftop about 150 yards from the stage where Trump was speaking. The FBI believes Crooks was using the drone to live-stream footage of the area, although no recordings or photos from the rally day were found on the device. The FBI has since recreated the flight pattern to understand the drone’s role in the incident.
On July 13, Crooks opened fire with a rifle from the rooftop, injuring former President Trump and killing one rallygoer while injuring two others. A Secret Service sniper responded by shooting and killing Crooks, while agents swiftly moved to protect Trump and escort him off the stage. Wray confirmed that three explosive devices were recovered—two from Crooks’ vehicle and one from his residence. These devices were described as “relatively crude” but capable of being detonated remotely.
Further details emerged during the hearing, with Wray explaining that Crooks had eight cartridges on the rooftop where he fired the shots. Additionally, a laptop linked to Crooks revealed a Google search about the distance between Lee Harvey Oswald and President John F. Kennedy, suggesting a potential premeditation related to the attack on Trump.
The FBI continues to probe Crooks’ motives and state of mind, examining encrypted messaging applications found on his phone. The investigation aims to uncover the full extent of Crooks’ planning and any potential connections to broader threats.
