FBI Reveals Drone’s Role in Attempted Assassination of Former President Trump

In a House Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday, FBI Director Christopher Wray disclosed crucial information about the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, highlighting the unexpected role of a small DJI drone in the incident.

Drone Discovery and Usage

FBI investigators found a drone in the shooter’s car, which provided valuable insights into the suspect’s pre-attack surveillance.

Wray stated, “By exploiting it, we determined its use and flight paths.”

The drone was flown for approximately 11 minutes, from 3:50 PM to 4:00 PM, about 200 yards away from Trump’s speaking location. Note: The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) that was in affect on July 13th was only from 16:20 until 18:15.

Surveillance Tactics

The drone’s flight path revealed a strategic vantage point.

“The drone would have given him a vantage point looking back towards the podium, almost like a rear-view mirror of the scene behind him,” Wray explained. This positioning allowed the shooter to assess the area behind where he would later attempt the assassination.

READ MORE: DRONE SURVEY REVEALS CRUCIAL BLIND SPOT IN TRUMP RALLY SECURITY

Live-Streaming Suspicions

Interestingly, no recordings were found on the drone itself.

Wray commented, “We believe he was live-streaming the footage, as there’s no recording of what he saw during those 11 minutes.” This suggests the shooter may have been using real-time data to plan his attack.

Ongoing Investigation

The FBI is still piecing together the exact information the shooter gathered.

“We’re still trying to determine exactly what he could see from the drone’s flight pattern and capabilities during that time,” Wray added. The drone’s flight path was not directly over the rally but provided a view of the podium from about a football field’s length away.

Additional Attack Details

While the drone’s role was a key focus, Wray also revealed other details about the attack:

• At least eight shots were fired, evidenced by recovered cartridges on the roof.
• The shooter’s weapon had a collapsible stock, potentially making it less noticeable.
• The investigation is ongoing, with physical evidence at the scene consistent with witness testimony so far.

DroneXL’s Take

This incident underscores the dual-use nature of Drone Technology. While drones have countless beneficial applications, from crime-solving to delivery services, this case highlights the need for continued vigilance and responsible use. It’s crucial to remember that the vast majority of drone operations contribute positively to society, and incidents like these should not overshadow the technology’s immense potential for good. As the Drone Industry continues to evolve, balancing innovation with security will remain a key challenge for regulators and manufacturers alike.