Could the attack have been prevented? Local police say they saw the shooter just before Trump was shot

• Local police saw the shooter.
• Bomb materials found in vehicle.
• FBI investigates act of terrorism.

An assassination attempt has shaken former President Donald Trump, who on Sunday called for unity and resilience following the shooting that left him injured but «doing well.»

Shortly before the shots were heard, rally attendees noticed a man climbing onto the roof of a nearby building.

And they alerted local police about the suspect, according to two law enforcement officials.

A local police officer went up to the roof and encountered Thomas Matthew Crooks, who pointed his rifle at the officer.

Police saw the attacker before the shooting

The officer retreated down the stairs, at which point Crooks began firing rapidly toward Trump.

At that point, Secret Service snipers shot him, said the officials, who spoke to The Associated Press.

You may also be interested in: What is known about Thomas Matthew Crooks, Trump’s attacker in Pennsylvania.

Officials also told AP that bomb-making materials were found inside Crooks’ vehicle as well as in his home.

The news agency also reported that the devices were described as «rudimentary.»

Investigators believe the gun Crooks used was purchased by his father at least six months ago, law enforcement officials said.

Additionally, federal agents were still working to understand when and how his son obtained the gun and to gather additional information about Crooks.

The FBI said Sunday that it believes Thomas Matthew acted alone and was not previously on the agency’s radar.

The agency is reviewing the shooter’s social media accounts and weapons, but has so far not found any threatening writing or social media posts.

The shooting is being investigated as attempted murder and an act of domestic terrorism, according to the FBI.

Records show Crooks was registered as a Republican voter in Pennsylvania.

Authorities told reporters the attacker was not carrying identification, so they were using DNA and other methods to confirm his identity.

Police also recovered an AR-style rifle at the scene, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the investigation.

The attack occurred during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a former fire chief who was attending with his family was killed, as was the shooter.

This incident raises questions about security at political events and whether it could have been avoided, he said.The Associated Press‘.

The intervention of local police before the attack highlights the complexity and challenge of preventing acts of violence at mass rallies.

The attack also highlights the urgency of reviewing and strengthening security measures to protect presidential candidates and attendees at political events across the country.

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