In a recent development, local authorities in Pennsylvania have released a one-page report shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the death of Thomas Crooks, the man who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump. According to the Butler County Coroner William Young, Crooks, aged 20, died as a result of a single gunshot wound to the head on July 13 at 6:25 p.m. The official cause of death has been ruled as homicide.

The incident took place on the white roof of a warehouse owned by AGR International, near the rally site where former President Trump was speaking. Acting swiftly, a counter-sniper team shot Crooks during the tense standoff. Unfortunately, no further details regarding the autopsy results were provided, as Butler County declined the request for a full copy, citing the state's record law exemption.

It remains unclear whether officials conducted any testing on Crooks for chemicals or medications, as is standard during autopsy examinations. The lack of transparency in releasing crucial information has drawn criticism from congressional oversight committees, who have been pressuring federal officials to expedite the disclosure of details surrounding the shooting incident.

However, some insights into the timeline leading up to the shooting have been shared by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). It was revealed that local law enforcement had flagged Crooks as suspicious shortly after 5 p.m., over an hour prior to the shooting. At around 5:30 p.m., SWAT operators observed Crooks using a range finder and browsing news websites on his phone. Moments later, he was spotted with a backpack at 5:56 p.m.

Further observations showed Crooks climbing HVAC piping outside the warehouse and maneuvering across multiple rooftops, eventually reaching his shooting position. The escalated situation prompted a local police officer to be boosted onto the roof at 6:11 p.m., where he immediately spotted Crooks and took cover. Approximately 25 to 30 seconds later, Crooks fired eight rounds at former President Trump, prompting the Secret Service counter-sniper to return fire, fatally shooting Crooks.

The release of the autopsy report has added another crucial detail to the evolving timeline of events surrounding the shooting. While questions remain regarding the testing performed on Crooks' body, the report serves as an important piece of the puzzle in understanding the circumstances that led to his death.

As the investigation progresses, there is a growing demand for a more transparent and expeditious release of information from federal authorities. The tragic incident brings attention to the complex task and heightened responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of former and current public officials during high-stakes public events.