Why didn’t the Secret Serice have their own drones?
In a startling revelation, the FBI disclosed that a drone played a pivotal role in the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The drone, utilized by the assailant, provided vital surveillance footage of the rally site in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the incident unfolded on July 13. The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old, allegedly positioned himself on a rooftop and used the drone to scout the area before opening fire, striking Trump in the right ear and causing one fatality and multiple injuries.
New Angle From The Day Of The Donald Trump Attempted Assassination Posted
It appears that an object, maybe a small drone was flying pretty close. Was this someone with prior knowledge trying to film a better angle of the shooting? pic.twitter.com/XaqIBNA7BZ
— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) July 22, 2024
During a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee, FBI Director Christopher Wray unveiled new details about the drone’s involvement. According to Wray, the drone flew over the Butler fairgrounds approximately two hours prior to Trump taking the stage, capturing footage from 3:50 p.m. to 4 p.m. The former President began speaking at 6 p.m., giving Crooks ample time to analyze the footage. The FBI suspects that Crooks may have been live-streaming the drone’s feed for about 11 minutes, using it to gain a comprehensive view of the surroundings.
The drone’s footage, as per the FBI’s investigation, likely acted as a crucial tool for Crooks, akin to a rearview mirror, providing him with strategic insights into his position relative to the event’s security and layout. The drone, which was later found in Crooks’ vehicle, is now undergoing thorough analysis at the FBI lab to extract any further intelligence.
The use of a drone in this manner underscores a significant security lapse. Experts suggest that implementing drone detection systems could have thwarted the assassination attempt. Such systems are already in use by military and law enforcement agencies, including the St. Petersburg Police Department in Florida and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, through solutions provided by companies like Dedrone. These systems are capable of not only detecting unauthorized drones but also identifying their operators, flight paths, and other critical data.
#FBI Director Christopher Wray on Wednesday testified to a House Committee the agency is investigating a drone possibly owned by the man who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump.https://t.co/ora0lBl1QD#TrumpAssassinationAttempt pic.twitter.com/IkP9sotPD5
— NTD News (@NTDNews) July 24, 2024
The failure to deploy drone detection technology at the rally, a potential National Security Event, raises concerns about the preparedness of security agencies. Counter-drone technologies, currently restricted in deployment, could have provided an additional layer of security. These technologies can intercept and neutralize unauthorized drones, preventing them from gathering sensitive information. Furthermore, employing drones equipped with thermal cameras could have offered aerial reconnaissance, identifying potential threats even in concealed positions.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of security threats in the modern age. The ability of a relatively simple drone to circumvent existing security measures and aid in an assassination attempt highlights the urgent need for updated protocols and technologies. This event underscores the importance of comprehensive security strategies that include advanced drone detection and countermeasures to protect high-profile individuals and events.
“That information has been passed to us from the FBI.”
Kimberly Cheatle refuses to comment on the shooter flying a drone over Donald Trump’s PA rally site prior to the event. pic.twitter.com/FGcBT42M1L
— TENET Media (@watchTENETnow) July 22, 2024
Major Points
- A drone was used to gather reconnaissance footage before the attack on former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
- The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, used the drone to live-stream aerial views of the event site, gaining strategic insights.
- The FBI disclosed that the drone was crucial in planning the attack, providing Crooks with an overview of the rally’s layout.
- The incident underscores the need for advanced drone detection technology at high-profile events to prevent unauthorized surveillance.
- The use of drones in this manner highlights a significant security gap, emphasizing the need for updated measures to protect public figures.
Kirk Volo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News