In a chilling development, a new image has surfaced, capturing the moments before Thomas Matthew Crooks attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump. The photograph, taken from above, depicts Crooks sitting on a wall at the Butler Farm Show Grounds in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, engrossed in his cellphone. The young gunman, dressed in a gray influencer-branded shirt, had been patiently waiting for Trump to take the stage at a rally.

The image was released by Judicial Watch along with accompanying documents that shed light on the preparations made by local law enforcement for the event. The revelation poses questions about whether Crooks' activities were detected by authorities prior to the attack, as one officer reportedly snapped photos of a "suspicious person" scouting for an ideal location to carry out his nefarious plan.

According to reports, barely an hour before Trump's scheduled appearance, an officer observed Crooks utilizing a rangefinder and seemingly focused on his phone. It is possible that this encounter led to the recently released photograph, further intensifying the scrutiny over law enforcement's handling of the situation.

Tragically, Crooks managed to evade detection and made his way to a nearby building where he assumed his final position, armed with a rifle. With chilling precision, he fired eight shots at Donald Trump, narrowly missing the former president. However, the volley of bullets left retired fire chief Corey Comperatore dead and David Dutch and James Copenhaver seriously injured.

What still remains a mystery is the motive behind Crooks' assassination attempt. Despite intensive investigations, law enforcement agencies have been unable to uncover any concrete reasons that might have driven him to commit this heinous act. With this unknown motive, there are concerns about potential copycat attacks or the possibility of further violence from other individuals with similar intentions.

This deeply disturbing incident serves as a stark reminder of the threats faced by public figures and the crucial role of law enforcement in safeguarding their safety. It also highlights the ongoing challenges in identifying and preventing acts of violence before they occur.

As investigations into the attempted assassination continue, authorities are expected to intensify their efforts to understand the circumstances leading up to the attack and to ensure the swift apprehension of any individuals who may have been involved in planning or assisting Crooks.

The release of this new image underscores the importance of remaining vigilant and proactive when it comes to security measures at public events, especially those involving prominent individuals who may be targeted by individuals with malicious intent. The incident serves as a somber reminder that the need for enhanced protective measures and intelligence sharing remains paramount in safeguarding public figures from potential threats.