F.B.I. Director Christopher A. Wray disclosed on Wednesday that the individual who attempted to assassinate former President Donald J. Trump allegedly used a drone to survey the site of the shooting. The drone was reportedly flown around the area approximately 11 minutes before the incident took place.
According to Mr. Wray’s testimony, the drone was observed flying about 200 yards away from the stage where Mr. Trump was scheduled to speak at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa. The shooting occurred on July 13, resulting in injuries to several individuals, including a fatality.
The assailant, identified as Thomas Crooks, 20, was located by Secret Service snipers on a nearby roof and was subsequently neutralized. Mr. Crooks was found in possession of an AR-15-style rifle, multiple magazines, and a bulletproof vest in his vehicle. The F.B.I. recovered eight bullet cartridges from the rooftop where the gunman had positioned himself.
Mr. Wray mentioned that the drone was operated by the assailant approximately two hours before the rally, indicating premeditated planning. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with the F.B.I. exploring the assailant’s electronic devices for potential insights into his motives and actions leading up to the attack.
