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

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,” according to a report on his final hours.

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 carrying a range-finder – a piece of equipment used by snipers to determine distance – when going through the screening area.

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

In addition, not long before shots rang out, rallygoers noticed a man climbing to the top of a roof of a nearby building and warned local law enforcement, according to two law enforcement officials.

One officer climbed to the roof and encountered Crooks, who pointed his rifle at the officer. The officer retreated down the ladder and Crooks quickly took a shot toward Trump, and that’s when the Secret Service counter snipers shot him, said the officials