Drone Used in Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump

A small drone found in the car of Thomas Crooks, the gunman who attempted to assassinate former President Donald J. Trump, was likely used to survey the rally site in Butler, Pennsylvania, according to a report by The New York Times.

Drone Surveillance of Rally Site

Investigators believe Crooks, 20, flew the drone over the Butler Farm Show grounds at least once before the shooting to gather aerial footage. The device was programmed with a pre-planned flight path, allowing Crooks to obtain a detailed layout of the area.

“At some point last Saturday, Mr. Crooks seems to have flown the drone to gather footage for a layout of the Butler Farm Show grounds using a preprogrammed flight path,” an official briefed on the situation told the Times.

Multiple Site Visits

Geolocation data from Crooks’ cellphones indicate he visited the area near the fairgrounds on July 7, six days before the event, and again on the morning of the shooting. This suggests careful planning and reconnaissance using Drone Technology.

Shooter’s Technological Sophistication

Described as “highly intelligent and technologically sophisticated,” Crooks’ use of drone technology demonstrates the potential for unmanned aerial vehicles to be used in planning criminal activities. The drone’s discovery was initially delayed due to the presence of explosive devices in Crooks’ car.

Security Implications

The incident raises questions about event security and drone detection. The Secret Service did not use drones for aerial surveillance of the rally, nor did they request an FAA waiver for drone operations in restricted airspace, which is typical for outdoor appearances by former presidents.

Ongoing Investigation

FBI technicians are analyzing the drone, along with Crooks’ phones and other electronic devices, to determine his motive. So far, no evidence has been found linking the attack to strong partisan beliefs or foreign involvement.

DroneXL’s Take

This incident underscores the dual-use nature of drone technology. While drones offer numerous benefits in fields like agriculture, Search and Rescue, and aerial photography, their potential misuse for nefarious purposes highlights the need for robust security measures and responsible drone operation. As drone technology continues to advance, it’s crucial for regulators, law enforcement, and the Drone Industry to work together to ensure public safety while preserving the positive applications of unmanned aerial vehicles.

DroneXL.co remains committed to promoting safe and ethical drone use while keeping our readers informed about the latest developments in drone technology and regulations.