Trump shooter said he needed day off for ‘something important to do’ as chilling details of his final hours are released

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The man who attempted to assassinate former president Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania told his boss that he needed the Saturday off because he had “something important to do.”

Thomas Matthew Crooks’ motive is still unknown, though he reportedly also told co-workers he would see them on Sunday, prompting questions over whether he believed he would escape following the attack.

Investigations remain ongoing after the shocking incident in Butler, Pennsylvania, during which the former president was clipped by a bullet on his right ear before being rushed to the floor by members of the Secret Service.

On Tuesday night CNN reported new details, including events of the days before.

The outlet reported that the 20-year-old told his boss at the nursing home where he worked “I need the day off, I have something important to do.” Despite this, he also said he would see his co-workers on Sunday.

According to CNN, Crooks was also flagged to security at the event due to the fact that he was caring a range-finder – a piece of equipment used by snipers to determine distance – when going through the screening area.

He reportedly used the device to look at the counter sniper officers at the event, who also looked back at him.

After Crooks was fatally shot by police various items were found on his person, including a remote for three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) found in his car, and three fully loaded magazines with 100 rounds.

Crooks was also found with a bullet proof vest, prompting speculation that he may have been expecting to escape following his initial attack, CNN reported.

It comes as the Republican National Convention (RNC) continues in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Trump appeared there alongside his VP pick JD Vance on Monday – his first public appearance since the shooting.

The former president entered the convention hall with a piece of white gauze over his right ear, where he was hit, and received thunderous applause from attendees.