The 20-year-old who attempted to assassinate former President Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, had carefully planned and scoped out the rally site according to the FBI. The shooter, identified as Crooks, engaged in significant efforts to conceal his activities, including visiting the rally site and practicing at a shooting range with the weapon he used in the attack. Crooks’ father legally transferred a firearm to his son, which was purchased legally in 2013. In addition to stockpiling guns, Crooks also purchased components to create explosive devices over a year prior to the shooting. Despite displaying a keen interest in science and doing experiments, there was no evidence of mental health issues or medication use by the shooter.
The FBI has been conducting a thorough investigation into Crooks’ motive, conducting over 450 interviews and examining more than 2,100 tips from the public. The agency requested information from 86 companies connected to Crooks, although the specifics of the requests were not disclosed. Crooks was described as highly intelligent, having attended college and maintained steady employment. The 20-year-old was considered a loner, with no evidence of mental health treatment or medication usage. The shooter’s parents explained that they were not alarmed by their son’s interest in science and experimentation, as it was something he had always done.
Despite the shocking shooting incident, the Butler County Fair Grounds began preparations for their annual Big Butler Fair shortly after the attack. While FBI agents were not present at the fairgrounds, vendors were seen entering and exiting the premises to set up for the event. The community was still processing the aftermath of the shooting that left one dead and three injured, including the former president. Authorities revealed that Crooks had carefully planned his attack, visiting the site ahead of time and practicing with the weapon. The shooter’s father had legally transferred a firearm to his son, who had also purchased components for explosive devices.
Crooks’ interest in science and experimentation was known to his parents, who were not alarmed by the packages stacking up at their home in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. The FBI has been working diligently to determine Crooks’ motive, conducting numerous interviews and following up on tips from the public. Despite being described as highly intelligent and having no history of mental health issues or medication use, Crooks was considered a loner. The FBI has requested information from companies connected to the shooter but did not disclose the nature of the requests. As the community recovered from the tragic incident, preparations for the annual fair continued at the fairgrounds with vendors seen setting up for the event.
