A device found with the man who tried to assassinate Donald Trump was a remote fireworks detonator, according to US law enforcement sources.
The gray 12-button phone was found next to Thomas Crooks’ phone after he was shot and killed by the Secret Service when they opened fire on the former president.
It is believed it could be related to what the FBI called a “rudimentary” explosive device found in his car.
Authorities believe it was likely intended to distract or harm law enforcement rather than cause a significant explosion.
Trump vs. Biden most recent
Thieves, 20 years old, grazed TriumphThe ear with one of his shots as the former president addressed supporters in a field in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.
Investigators are probing his past for a motive for an assassination attempt that experts say was a major security breach.
The gunman managed to take a prime position on a rooftop about 130 meters away and warnings from people who saw him appear to have been ignored or not heeded with sufficient urgency.
Photo: AP
The criminals had driven to the location, parking at a gas station about a third of a mile away, after purchasing 50 rounds of ammunition at a local gun store.
His motivation remains elusive despite searches of his devices and home, and interviews with more than 100 people.
No signs of strong political opinions have been discovered, and those who knew him described a loner who was rejected from the school’s shooting team for not shooting well.
However, he managed to become a member of a local shooting club through his family and the day before the attack he reportedly went there to practice.
“He was a strange kid, but nothing about him seemed dangerous,” said his former classmate Liam Campbell.
“Just a normal person who didn’t seem to like talking to people.”
Trump shooting: What went wrong?
Crooks was shot dead within seconds. Photo: AP
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Other classmates said Crooks was bullied daily for things like what he wore and wearing a mask after the pandemic ended.
The 20-year-old was shot in the head by a Secret Service countersniper 15 seconds after launching his attack.
Corey Comperatore died in the shooting
Audience member Corey Comperatore, 50, died while protecting his family and two other people were seriously injured.
Trump said he survived thanks to divine intervention after moving his head slightly as the bullets entered, with a remarkable photo. seeming to catch one in mid-flight.
The attack has sparked new concern about the feverish tone that can often consume American politics, with President Biden calls for unity in a live television address.
All eyes are now on Trump’s speech at the Republican Party conference on Thursday, a speech he said he rewritten in light of the attempt on his life.
This story originally appeared on News.sky.com read the full story
