The attempted assassination of Donald Trump took a chilling turn as law enforcement officials revealed that the gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, flew a drone above the site of the shooting ahead of time. The incident occurred during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on 13 July, where Trump narrowly escaped a bullet that pierced his right ear.
Reports from CBS and other US media outlets suggest that Crooks may have flown the drone either hours or days before the rally, with investigators still working to determine the exact timeline. The drone was allegedly used by the shooter to scout the best vantage point for the attack, which took place just 130m away from Trump.
Crooks, 20, was shot dead by Security Service agents at the scene, sparking intense scrutiny over the precautions taken to protect Trump. Security Service chief Kimberly Cheatle is set to testify before a US House of Representatives committee on 22 July regarding the incident.
In the aftermath of the shooting, US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas defended the presence of female agents in law enforcement, praising their skills and dedication to protecting others. This comes in response to criticism from some individuals, including conservative activists, who questioned the suitability of women in the Secret Service.
Despite the backlash, Mayorkas affirmed the department’s commitment to recruiting, retaining, and promoting women in law enforcement roles, emphasizing that diversity and inclusion make the country more secure. As the investigation into the assassination attempt continues, the role of the drone in the planning and execution of the attack remains a key focus for authorities.
