A Scrapbook Timeline of the Trump Assassination Attempt
A collection of leaks, reports, and revelations as they happened.
The historic, tragic, and miraculous events of 13th July, 2024, are well deserving of intensive analysis as well as considerate memorialization.
Purpose.
My aim and hope with this substack is to provide a memorialization and a device that will possibly, in some small way, aid in the analyses that each of us is doing to some extent.
To this end, I have composed this presentation as a sort of vertical slide show. Something to bring the reader back to those first seven days and refresh our memory both visually and chronologically according to when the information reached the public’s bandwidth.
The idea is to scroll through it and just let it hit you again, as it did when the information was first made available. My inspiration for doing this is those scenes in crime dramas and some interrogation videos where the investigator will toss pictures onto the table, one after another, sometimes with no commentary at all. In the latter context, it’s useful for pressuring a suspect to give up more information, the idea being that they will see all the evidence the investigators have and feel that they must have more, and there is no option other than to give up what they know or demand a lawyer.
Here, we want to adopt and apply the approach demonstrated in the former context: an investigator tossing images or information onto a table or maybe attaching it to a map with lots of strings and pins crisscrossing it and just letting the information hit you all over again.
Hindsight is not always 20/20. Hindsight’s visual acuity is ever-shifting; its focus sometimes decays, sometimes sharpens, depending on context, knowledge gained over time, and our own varying biases.
Soon after the assassination attempt, perhaps within an hour, most or all of the information streams available to the average person engaging in the news flows were saturated with recycled reports, repetitive information, misinformation, bad questions, worse answers, cynical quips, absurd conjectures, and weak hypotheses. Sorting the good information from the bad information, the useful from the useless, became not just a chore but a necessity.
It was very noisy.
As a consequence of this noise, first impressions were lost, key facts were missed or obfuscated, and misleading, even erroneous, information bled onto the canvas that many independent researchers were attempting to paint a true picture.
I decided to compose this form of presentation as a means of solving for that noise, as a clarifying tool or exercise. Something to help me and anyone interested go back to Day One and follow the flow of information as it came in for that first week.
A Scrapbook Timeline.
As I see it, there are two distinct investigations to be done here: two threads of inquiry, which at first should be separated before being woven together into fuller answers to each.
-The Assassin
-The Security Failures
We need to know the “Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How?” of those two threads.
For both inquiries, we need to follow the crumbs back in time from that Saturday forward. From the 13th of July to the 20th of July.
The following sections are day-by-day groupings of screen shots, articles, and posts. There will be a link to the articles below the first image from that article.
After some inner debate, I have decided to include my original highlighting and drawings on some of the screenshots because they signify the information that struck me as potentially significant when I first read those articles. Some, even much of it, may turn out to be all that important. First impressions often count for a lot, though, so I kept them in.
I did not pull every single possibly relevant item from every article cited. I pulled what I considered most relevant. For the intrepid researcher, it may be very much worth going through each article linked for a fuller picture.
Location and Context.
This rally would be Trump’s first 2024 campaign visit to the western part of Pennsylvania as part of his campaign and the final in a blitz of rallies leading up to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, just two days later. Trump easily won this area of Pennsylvania in 2016 and 2020. There may have been increased media interest in this rally compared to prior summer events due to speculation that Trump might announce his running mate.
Note: This rally was originally requested to be held at the Butler-Pittsburgh Regional Airport, about 5 miles south of Butler, PA. Trump held a huge rally at that location in 2020, so the USSS was familiar with it from that visit and would have been able to reference their previous recon of the location in setting up for the 2024 rally.
However, the airport was already booked, so the venue selected was the Butler Farms Show grounds.
The rally announcement was made on 3 July, 2024.
13 July 2024
The bullet hits Trump’s ear at 8:55 into this video.
I am not going to analyze Trump’s ear or wax emotional about the incredible miracle the world witnessed. It is forever recorded in our minds, drives, and clouds. Plus, I already did that sort of thing here, here, here, here, and here as well.
I do want to say, however, that thinking about how differently that day might have gone is a primary driver in my constructing this. I, personally, wanted to be able to go back and retrace the information from the day of. Both for analysis sake as well as to revisit that moment and be reminded of the gratitude owed.
The estimable Catherine Herridge had a source that was local to the incident. That may be notable in and of itself.
The “Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How?” of the Assassin-13 July
-Trump takes stage at 6:02pm.
-The first shot was fired at 6:11pm.
-Trump was hit in ear, non-critical or course, and survived.
-One person in bleachers to Trump's left was killed. Two other people injured and critical.
The would-be assassin is deceased.
-Killed by a counter-sniper.
-Assassin fired from roof of nearby building.
-Multiple witnesses to the assassin being in the area prior to the shooting.
-The assassin was reported to law enforcement prior to shooting.
The “Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How?” of the Security Failures-13 July
I believe the "security seams" are one of, if not the most crucial, areas to investigate when looking at how the assassin was able to get to the position he did with the equipment he had and fire at Trump and the crowd.
This stack, partly due to a lack of knowledge in the first week and also my own preferences when gathering the material during that first week, focuses a bit more on the would-be assassin than the security shortcomings.
14 July 2024
The “Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How?” of the Assassin-14 July
-Thomas Matthew Crooks, age 20, worked as nursing aide, lived nearby in Bethel Park, PA.
-Crooks carried no identification and had to be identified using other techniques-DNA, biometric markers.
-AR-15 used at 150 yards.
-Explosive devices in the car, parked near rally.
-Phone and transmitter found next to body.
-A ”suspicious device” was found in his home.
-Another device was found in his vehicle(s)
-Devices ”rendered safe by bomb technicians”.
-Agents continue “to conduct logical investigative activity to determine if there were any co-conspirators associated with this attack.”
The “Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How?” of the Security Failures-14 July
-Two sniper teams set up near the building where Crooks fired from.
-There were no local police in the same building that Crooks fired from.
-The blame game between Federal and Local entities involved in the event is on and it is hot.
15 July 2024
The “Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How?” of the Assassin-15 July
-The FBI has gained access to Crooks phone(s), electronic devices.
-Two phones, a laptop, drives.
-More than one Improvised Explosive Device in van.
-Materials related to making explosives found in home.
-DMPS AR-15 5.56 used in shooting, legally purchased.
-Father reported it missing to police same day as shooting.
-Dozen plus firearms taken from home.
-Crooks purchased 50 rounds of ammo from Allegheny Arms and Gun Works in Bethel Park, PA, just hours before the rally in Butler, PA.
The “Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How?” of the Security Failures-15 July
-One person from the Beaver County ESU eight member team, which included snipers and spotters, noticed Crooks at 5:45pm, took a picture of him, and called it in. It is not clear if he had a gun at that time.
-Reports that law enforcement saw him before 5:45pm and calling "suspicious person" with a picture as well.
-An officer responded, searched area where Crooks was in the picture and did not see him.
-Approximately 26mins after the second picture was taken, the one from the Beavery County ESU crew member, shots were fired.
-A Secret Service sniper killed Crooks.
16 July 2024
The “Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How?” of the Assassin-16 July
-Joint FBI/DHS Bulletin labels event "Assassination Attempt on Former US President Donald J. Trump". Warns "election-related related targets are under a heightened threat of attack or other types of disruptive incidents".
-Three suspected improvised explosive devices were found—one at Crook's residence and two in Crooks' vehicle parked near rally.
-Over the past few months, Crooks received multiple packages, possibly containing hazardous material.
-Crooks visited Home Depot over the weekend and purchased a small ladder.
-Father reported it missing to police same day as shooting.
-Dozen plus firearms taken from home.
The “Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How?” of the Security Failures-16 July
-126 seconds between when Crooks fired first shot to counter sniper shooting Crooks.
-Sniper could not get a clear line of sight.
-Only two USSS counter sniper teams approved for this rally.
-USSS DID NOT NEED PERMISSION TO REURN FIRE.
-Agents and counter snipers use a "measured approach" and often err on side of caution.
-Crooks was spotted by law enforcement prior to rally using a range finder.
-When Trump took the stage Crooks was still on the ground.
-Less than seven minutes later, Crooks was on the roof with a gun when confronted by a Butler Township police officer.
-Command Center and lines of communication between various law enforcement and security entities under scrutiny.
That motorcycle unit story is odd…
-Two Pittsburgh motorcycle officers suffered minor injuries also (not the same as the two shot and in critical condition for a time)
-Asked to assist, unclear by who.
-Uncertain if permission given or not.
-Pittsburgh sent 10 officers to event.
-Four of those officers were hit by shrapnel.
-Cycle units from nearby university had to be called in to assist with Jill Biden visit to Pittsburgh at the same time.
-Questions about overtime.
-Officers removed from cycle unit and transferred following event.
17 July 2024
The “Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How?” of the Security Failures-17 July
-FBI briefs Congress
-Crooks' search history included public figures such as Trump and Biden, as well as dates for Trump appearances the DNC convention in Chicago.
-Senators told by FBI that Crooks wrote on Steam "July 13 will be my premiere, watch as it unfolds".
-No particular ideology unearthed so far. FBI emphasized this as notable.
-No one interviewed so far reported Crooks discussing politics.
-Two cell phones, primary phone was with him on scene at rally as well as a remote transmitter (detonator).
-Second phone was recovered from home. Had 27 contacts in it. They are being tracked down.
The “Who, What, Where, Why, and How?” of the Security Failures-17 July
-Viral USSS Sniper team behind Trump are not the ones who took Crooks down.
-Four counter sniper teams at event (2 man each).
-Two were USSS, two were local.
-A "local marksman" also engaged Crooks but did not fire fatal shot.
-Crooks search for images of Trump and Biden as well as appearance dates.
-Trump's USSS protection is under investigation.
18 July 2024
The “Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How?” of the Security Failures-17 July
-Crooks van had improvised explosives (is this in addition to the car?).
-Bomb making materials found in home.
-Crooks searched for information for major depressive disorder.
-No explicit indication he sought professional help.
-Virtually no online presence, but...
-Use of encrypted platforms.
-high volume of material for investigators to sift through, including 4.5TBs across two phones, a laptop, and drives.
-14,000+ images on primary phone including screenshot of LIVE feed from the rally at 6:01pm.
The “Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How?” of the Security Failures-18 July
-"Working Theory" within senior USSS and agents/intel based on intelligence gathering, that Crooks was likely planning a Vegas-style shooting gains support. Crowd was original target.
-Changed his mind after scrambling to escape police and climbed on the roof.
-Use of range finder said to support this theory. He did not use it from the roof where he took his shots but he did use it from the ground and aimed at the crowd.
-Gun may have been assembled parts in his backpack.
-Father called police prior to shooting.
19 July 2024
The “Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How?” of the Security Failures-19 July
-Crooks visited site two times in weeks leading up to event.
The “Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How?” of the Security Failures-19 July
-Shifting timelines and confusion between USSS and other law enforcement points towards the White House Communications Agency who was in charge of operating the communications systems.
-Not all radio traffic was recorded.
-Differences between protections afforded current presidents, former presidents, and candidates becoming very relevant and in focus.
-Now there are reports that only ONE USSS counter sniper team was ASSIGNED to rally.
-Kill shot now said to be fired by local law enforcement counter sniper team.
-USSS counter sniper team did a recon of event location ONE DAY BEFORE EVENT.
-Area was scanned on July 8 by site agent in charge.
-Event location changed from airport to farms .
Conclusion, not Conclusions.
Obviously, this is not an exhaustive collection, and I excluded a lot of information that others may find relevant. At some point, I had to make a decision about what rose to the level of inclusion and what did not. You may wish I had included something or left a few things out. Feel free to toss some links in the comments and an explanation of why you think that particular piece of information should be added or removed.
As I compiled this work, organized it, made selections, and put it together, I was also keeping an eye on the current information streams and what we were learning about this event at the time of writing. I found it pretty useful and interesting to compare and contrast what is in this presentation with what I am seeing going around online communities and in news reports. What stands out to me and demands my focus versus what others consider more worthy of focus.
There are some contradictions in the information I included in this presentation. I left them in purposefully. And I intentionally left out my commentary and my own notions about what the evidence may or may not indicate.
However, an opinion that I will offer is this: we should proceed considerately, exercising skepticism and caution as well as voracity.
We shouldn’t allow ourselves to be committed to any hypothesis or captive to any theory.
It is far too early to uncap your Sharpie and draw conclusions.
If you made it this far-thank you. I sincerely hope that you got something out of this article and consider liking, subscribing, and sharing.
May God bless you, your family, and our nation.
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Since you seem to be gathering a lot of info, I was wondering if you had seen the audio analyses done by Chris Mortenson at Peakprosperity.com. His analysis shows what appears to be at least 2 shooters in addition to the counter snipers shot. There are the first three shots, then five very rapid shots, which he indicates is hard to do while still maintaining any kind of aim. He can also demonstrate very different audio signatures from the first three and the next five shots and also different distances based on the sound signatures. Your article is the first mention I’ve seen of shots fired by a “local marksman”, so I was wondering if maybe that was the 5 shot burst; however, the Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner testified before Congress that he believes Crooks fired eight times because “eight casings have been recovered” which doesn’t appear to align with the audio data. The whole thing from the Keystone Cops SS routine to the obviously lax security to the FBI’s deafening silence all seems very odd.
Thanks for this. Maybe send it to Cheatle and DHS?