New sources say that about 30 minutes before the shooting, law enforcement officials spotted, reported, and even photographed a suspect in a plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump.
WPXI Television report Monday’s reveal.
Authorities say they have not yet determined the suspect’s motive.
According to multiple sources, suspect Thomas Matthew Crooks was spotted by a member of the Beaver County Emergency Services unit on a rooftop near the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, around 5:45 p.m.
The person reportedly reported a suspicious person and also took a photo of the man who was later identified as Crooks.
WPXI said it was unclear whether Crooks was carrying a gun when he was first seen.
About 26 minutes later, a shot was fired at the former president.
The revelations are likely to lead to increased scrutiny of Secret Service and other law enforcement officials tasked with protecting Trump at rallies.
Trump was wounded in the ear, one supporter was shot dead, two other rally attendees were seriously injured, and Crooks was shot dead by a Secret Service sniper.
Other sources said explosives were found in the 20-year-old suspect’s car and home, and the AR-15-style rifle allegedly used in the attack was reportedly registered to the suspect’s father.
Authorities say they have not yet determined the suspect’s motive.
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