A Secret Service source claims that Thomas Matthew Crooks concealed a rifle prior to the sniper attack during the Trump rally.

A source claims that the individual who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump hid a rifle before the shooting at a rally.

A Secret Service source claims that Thomas Matthew Crooks concealed a rifle prior to the sniper attack during the Trump rally.
A Secret Service source claims that Thomas Matthew Crooks concealed a rifle prior to the sniper attack during the Trump rally.

According to a Secret Service source, Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old would-be assassin, concealed the weapon before the former President Donald Trump's Pennsylvania campaign rally on Saturday.

Although it was not immediately obvious where he concealed it, he had it in his possession when agents found him on the roof.

The source informed Planet Chronicle that we progressed from golf range finder to AR-15, leaving a gap that needs to be filled.

FBI investigators on the roof of the building where the would-be assassin shot at former president Donald Trump
Two FBI investigators scan the roof of AGR International Inc, the building adjacent to the Butler Fairgrounds, from which alleged shooter Matthew Thomas Crooks fired at former President Donald J. Trump, in the aftermath of the attempted assassination at a campaign rally on July 14, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump was escorted away by the Secret Service with an injury to his ear. One attendee at the rally on July 13 was killed and two others severely injured.  (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)

On Saturday, when authorities first noticed Crooks with a golf range finder, they considered him a "person of interest" rather than a "threat," according to authorities' statement on Thursday.

Authorities are expected to review the list of items that are not allowed at rally events, including range finders.

He was not considered an official threat until he was seen with a weapon.

According to the Secret Service, four counter-sniper teams were positioned around the rally, with two teams coming from the agency and two provided by local law enforcement.

Armed men stand over the body of the would-be Trump assassin, whose face is blurred
Authorities approach the suspected gunman from where he fell after the U.S. Secret Service returned fire after an apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. (Obtained by Planet Chronicle Digital)

Two teams opened fire, one local and one from the Service. A federal sharpshooter fatally struck the gunman seconds after the gunfire erupted.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally on July 13, 2024, after Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

At least four individuals were shot with an AR-15 firearm from a rooftop, resulting in the death of a 50-year-old father of two named Corey Comperatore and the serious injury of David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74.

This week, the AGR building has been the center of controversy, with authorities investigating who was responsible for securing it and allowing Crooks to open fire.

WATCH: Timeline of Trump PA rally shooting

Bryan Llenas shares timeline of Trump PA rally shooting

Photos from the scene showed Trump getting back to his feet after ducking for cover with blood on the right side of his head, and he later said he had been shot in the right ear.

He wore a bandage on his ear when he made a public appearance at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, later in the week.

Wake services for Comperatore were scheduled for Thursday.

He will be laid to rest Friday in a private ceremony.

The other victims have been moved from critical to serious but stable condition, according to hospital authorities.

This is a breaking news story.

by Michael Ruiz,David Spunt

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