The FBI released four new photos and provided additional information on its investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania in July. The bureau has not identified a motive or evidence of any accomplices for the shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. Kevin Rojek, head of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office, stated that Crooks had engaged in detailed attack planning and became hyper-focused on the Trump rally once it was announced. Crooks was shot and killed by a Secret Service sniper after firing eight bullets, injuring Trump and two rally attendees, and killing one person.
The FBI discovered that an online account linked to Crooks was used to search for Trump campaign events in Pennsylvania and information on both Trump and President Biden’s campaign events. The shooter searched for specifics about the Butler rally venue as it was announced. Prior to the attack, Crooks had searched for topics related to Trump and Mr. Biden, and in 2019, accounts tied to him searched for information on explosive devices. Some antisemitic comments online have been linked to Crooks’ account, but the FBI is determining if he posted them. During the attack, Crooks was on the roof of a building for six minutes before opening fire and was not hit by law enforcement’s bullets.
The FBI spoke with Trump as part of their investigation and found the interview to be productive. They have also spoken with Crooks’ parents, who have been cooperative. Additionally, newly released photos from the FBI show evidence collected during the probe, including Crooks’ rifle, disassembled rifle, and the backpack he was carrying at the rally site. The photos also show two improvised explosive devices found in Crooks’ car, which were relatively crude and had construction problems. Another photo depicts the air conditioning unit Crooks used to access the roof where he fired shots at the rally.
FBI Director Chris Wray previously testified that Crooks’ gun had a collapsible stock, possibly explaining why rally attendees did not see him with it initially. Witness reports mentioned seeing Crooks with a gun when he was on the roof of the building. The explosive devices found in Crooks’ possession were determined to have construction issues, and the receiver for remote detonation was turned off. Crooks’ online search history showed an interest in explosive devices dating back to 2019, as FBI officials continue to gather information on his activities and affiliations. The FBI continues its investigation into the shooting and has not identified a motive for the attempted assassination.
