In a testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, FBI Director Christopher Wray provided startling new information about the events leading up to the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump on July 13 in Pennsylvania.

According to Wray, the gunman, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, flew a drone near the rally site approximately two hours prior to opening fire. Investigators recovered the drone in Crooks' vehicle and believe that he used it to scout the area by watching video streams.

Furthermore, Wray disclosed that the FBI had recovered three "relatively crude" explosive devices. Two of these devices were found in Crooks' vehicle, while the third was discovered at his residence. It was determined that Crooks possessed a transmitter capable of detonating the explosives remotely, but the receivers on the bombs in his car were not active.

During the investigation, eight shell casings were found on the roof from where Crooks opened fire, confirming the intensity of the attack. Access to Crooks' phone was also obtained, although it presented a significant technical challenge. Agents discovered that Crooks had been using encrypted messaging apps for communication.

The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, with the FBI currently investigating it as a potential act of domestic terrorism. Despite these new revelations, the agency has yet to determine what drove Crooks to carry out the assassination attempt.

The security failures surrounding the incident have already had consequences. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned on Tuesday in response to the breach. The committee hearing sheds light on the critical gaps in security that allowed such an incident to occur.

As the investigation unfolds, the FBI continues its efforts to piece together the details surrounding the attempted assassination of former President Trump. The newly revealed information highlights the meticulous planning and preparation undertaken by Thomas Crooks, leaving both law enforcement officials and the wider public searching for answers.