Just a few minutes after the assassination attempt on Trump, the first conspiracy theories about the crime emerged: the shooter had deliberately injured Trump and it was a set-up to ensure Trump’s return to the White House. In the Vienna bombing station in the 22nd district, however, the situation was different with the “Krone” test.
The 20-year-old hitman, Thomas Crooks, was lying on a roof about 130 yards away when he fired the shots at Trump. What is known about his weapon is that it was an AR-15 derivative made by DPMS—a low-cost, mid-range, semi-automatic rifle in the common 5.56 caliber for the mass market. The shooter likely used only a holographic sight as his aiming optic, which does not magnify but simply reflects a red target circle into the field of view.
The “Krone” has retaken the shot with two similar weapons and optics:
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Immediately Sig MCX Virtus with an 11.5-inch barrel, based on the AR-18 concept. The optic used was a very similar red dot sight with a 1 MOA dot, which is what shooter Crooks would have used.
- Immediately Geissele AR-15 Super Duty with a 14.5 inch barrel, the same barrel length used by Crooks. A Primary Arms scope with 1-6x magnification was attached.
First, the shooting took place under “laboratory conditions”: Sitting relaxed, without time pressure, also without magnification, but three shots with a red dot sight in quick succession. The result: all three shots would have hit the target, but an accurate shot on the ear is out of the question – at 130 meters a human head is just a very small circle on which you can place the sights.
The hit photo:
In the second experiment with 6x magnification The shots are easier, even after preloading (push-ups) and a target the size of a head can be hit faster. But the same applies here: even under these relaxed environmental conditions it is difficult to reliably hit a part of the head (ear, hood, nose).
Conclusion
A shot from 130 meters at a target the size of a head with an assault rifle without magnifying optics is quite possible even for inexperienced shooters. But the circumstances make the difference: if you are out of breath, if you pull the trigger in rapid succession, or if you know that you will die within a few seconds of firing the shot, you will not easily hit the target.
If the intended head is also moving, there is wind and the sound of several thousand people, the matter becomes anything but trivial. Even though it sounds a lot easier after three beers at the local shooting club. We are not talking about a well-aimed shot to the edge of the ear. As far as we know, it belongs to the domain of conspiracy theories.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
