PITTSBURGH, Pa. (KDKA) – The gunman who tried to assassinate former president donald trump They planned to use explosives to create a diversion in an attempt to escape from the rally site, a senior lawmaker revealed.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) said on CBS’s “Face the Nation” that Thomas Crooks had a detonator on his body and two bombs in his vehicle.
“His plan was to assassinate the president, create a diversion by blowing up his vehicle on the other side of the property, and then be able to escape,” said McCaul, who chaired the House Homeland Security Committee for three terms.
CBS News previously reported An AR-style rifle, a remote transmitter and a cellphone were found on the shooter’s body while two explosive devices, a drone, a tactical vest and four magazines of the same ammunition used in the shooting were found in Crooks’ vehicle.
The American secret services quickly came under intense surveillance.with questions growing about how such an assassination attempt could have happened during such a high-profile event.
REBECCA DROKE / AFP via Getty Images
Kimberly Cheatle has resigned as Secret Service director after facing pressure from lawmakers who called for her resignation following the assassination attempt of the former president.
Trump to continue outdoor rallies after assassination attempt
Trump said he Outdoor gatherings will continue to be held, but with increased protection.
He is is expected to hold a rally later this week at New Holland Arena in Harrisburg, his first appearance in Pennsylvania since the shooting.
Last week, Trump said he would return to Butler County for a rally in the spotlight Corey Comperatore, the man who was shot at the rallyThe two other men injured in the shooting have been released from hospital.
Trump did not specify when or where the new rally in Butler County would take place.
