A new recording emerged just one hour before a violent incident at a rally held for former President Donald Trump on July 17, 2024. This recording quickly spread across the internet, showing Thomas Matthew Crooks, the man believed to be the shooter, displaying unusual behavior and making dubious actions.
In the video, Crooks is seen repeatedly walking up and down by the venue’s entrance, occasionally peering behind him and fumbling with something in his hands. At one stage, he seems to whisper “it’s time,” and then he is seen drawing a firearm and starting to shoot.
This event resulted in injuries to several individuals and precipitated widespread panic and disorder among those present. Fortunately, Trump was not harmed and was promptly taken to safety by his security detail.
Crooks was detained at the location and remains in custody. His motives, and whether he had any collaborators, are still aspects under investigation.
Amidst this backdrop, the release of the video has intensified debates about potential earlier interventions and missed red flags regarding the shooter’s intentions. There is criticism towards the event’s organizers for their purported failure to provide adequate security.
In his response, Trump expressed his deep sorrow over the events and conveyed his condolences and prayers to all who were affected. He acknowledged the swift actions of his security personnel and lauded the courageous efforts of those who intervened during the crisis.
As investigations continue, further insights are anticipated over the next weeks. Meanwhile, the footage of Crooks displaying concerning tendencies prior to the attack has deeply disturbed and saddened many, leading to reflections on how such tragic events might be averted in the future.
