A device found with the man who tried to assassinate Donald Trump was a remote fireworks detonator, according to US law enforcement sources.
The grey 12-button handset was found next to Thomas Crooks’ phone after Secret Service shot him dead when he opened fire on the former president.
It’s believed it could be linked to what the FBI called a “rudimentary” explosive device found in his car.
Authorities think it was probably intended as a distraction or to injure law enforcement rather than to cause a significant explosion.
Crooks, 20, grazed Mr Trump‘s ear with one of his shots as the ex-president addressed supporters in a field in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.
Investigators are digging into his past for a motive for an attempted assassination that experts say was a huge lapse of security.
The gunman was able to take a prime position on a roof about 130m away and warnings by people who spotted him appear to have gone unheeded or not treated urgently enough.
Crooks’ motivation is still unclear
Pic: AP
Crooks had driven to the venue, parking at a petrol station about a third of a mile away, after buying 50 rounds of ammo from a local gun shop.
His motivation remains elusive despite searches of his devices and home.
Secret Service brief politicians
Officials from the US Secret Service briefed politicians on the attack on Wednesday, according to Sky News’ US partner NBC News.
During the briefing, it was said that the Secret Service had spotted Crooks around 10 minutes before Mr Trump took to the stage, and that 20 minutes passed between when he was spotted by snipers to when he fired shots.
In total, just over one hour passed between Crooks being photographed as a suspicious person and him firing the shots.
It was also said that Crooks scoped out the rally site a few days in advance.
FBI Director Wray reportedly said there was no established motive, or foreign connection, as of now despite the agency interviewing over 200 people and going through Crooks’ mobile phone.
Crooks had little to no social media presence and had used encrypted communication.
‘An odd kid but not dangerous’
No sign of strong political views have been uncovered and those who knew him described a loner who was rejected from the school rifle team for being a poor shot.
He did, however, manage to become a member of a local shooting club through his family – and the day before his attack reportedly went there to practise.
“He was an odd kid, but nothing about him seemed dangerous,” said former classmate Liam Campbell.
“Just a normal person who seemed like he didn’t like talking to people.”
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Trump shooting: What went wrong?
Crooks was shot dead within seconds. Pic: AP
Read more:
Who was Trump’s attacker?
Trump shooting: How the security operation unfolded
Other classmates said Crooks was bullied on a daily basis over things such as the clothes he wore and still wearing a mask after the end of the pandemic.
The 20-year-old was killed with a shot to the head by a Secret Service counter-sniper within 15 seconds of launching his attack.
Corey Comperatore was killed in the shooting
Audience member Corey Comperatore, 50, was killed as he shielded his family and two others were seriously wounded.
Mr Trump said he survived due to divine intervention after moving his head slightly as the bullets flew in – with one remarkable photo appearing to capture one mid-flight.
The attack has sparked fresh concern over the feverish tone that can often consume US politics, with President Biden calling for unity in a live TV address.
All eyes are now on Mr Trump’s address to the Republican party conference on Thursday, for a speech he said he’s re-written in light of the attempt on his life.