Local Police Officer Reportedly Encountered Trump Shooter Before Shooting Began

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Seconds before authorities say Thomas Crooks shot at former President Donald Trump, a local police officer encountered him on the rooftop where the shots began.

According to a report from the Associated Press, not long before shots rang out at Trump’s Pennsylvania campaign rally, a local police officer climbed to the roof to investigate a report of a suspicious armed individual. Upon climbing to the roof the officer encountered Crooks, who pointed his rifle at him.

The officer reportedly proceeded to retreat down the ladder and Crooks then took his shot at the former president seconds later. Secret Service then shot the gunman after the firing began.

Trump was grazed by the bullet near his ear while an attendee was killed and two others at the rally were injured. Following the shooting, a rally attendee told BBC News that he told local law enforcement about a man scaling a roof armed with a rifle but was reportedly ignored.

Moreover, law enforcement believes the weapon used by Crooks was purchased by his father approximately six months ago. Federal agents still have not narrowed down a motive for the shooter as the continue gathering about Crooks, according to AP.

Bomb-making materials were found Crooks’ car and home by law enforcement following the shooting.