Thomas Crooks trained at a Department of Homeland Security shooting range before his attack on Trump

Thomas CrooksThe 20-year-old who shot former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, was training at a shooting range that was also used by the Ministry of Homeland Security (DHS) for training exercises.

According to recent documents Senator Chuck Grassley's (R-IA), Crooks visited the Clairton Sportsmen's Club, his usual spot for target practice, just one day before DHS conducted a practice at the same facility. At this 200-yard range, he was able to practice shooting at 150 yards, the same distance he used during the rally attack.

Careful preparation

According to club records, Crooks visited the Clairton Range at 3:10 p.m. on May 22, where he Practiced soloThe next day, DHS conducted a “police training” at the same location, with at least three people involved, according to records. It is unclear whether DHS regularly conducted training there.

A disturbing pattern of activity

Crooks, who joined the club in August 2023, was a frequent visitor to the shooting rangeand has logged at least 43 visits since joining. During his membership, he averaged three to six visits per month and was even seen training on special days like Halloween, Christmas and Valentine's Day. According to Grassley's office, this shows “intense preparation” for his attack.

His last visit to the range was on July 12 at 2:45 p.m., the day before he carried out the attack with an AR-15 rifle. Crooks was gunned down by Secret Service sniperswho intervened quickly during the attack.

At the request of Congress, records of his visits were turned over to Senator Grassley's office. the Clairton Sportsmen's Club has declined to comment on Crooks' activities or use of DHS facilities, citing the ongoing investigation.

Ongoing investigation

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the attack, including the overall preparation by the Crooks. Meanwhile, the event has raised serious concerns about security at public events and the preparation of those seeking to target political figures.