In a press release issued on Monday afternoon, the FBI announced that it has successfully gained access to the phone of the suspected gunman who opened fire at Donald Trump's rally. The agency is now analyzing the contents of the device in an effort to determine the motive behind the attack, which is being investigated as an assassination attempt.

The shooting took place at Trump's campaign rally on Saturday, resulting in the death of one audience member and leaving Trump with a bleeding ear. The suspected gunman has been identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks by the FBI, who was shot and killed in the incident.

Federal investigators had previously encountered difficulties bypassing the password protections on Crooks's phone. Consequently, they shipped the device to a lab in Virginia for further analysis. According to the press release, agents were ultimately able to gain access to the phone's data.

As investigators and the media delve into the details of the attack, little is known about Crooks, as he left behind no manifesto or immediate record of the incident. Unlike other similar cases, he did not maintain a significant online presence. It was revealed that Crooks was a registered Republican voter and had donated $15 to a Democratic-allied organization.

The method used by authorities to access Crooks's phone and the type of device he was using remain unclear. This development brings to mind previous clashes between law enforcement agencies and tech companies over accessing private data during investigations. Notably, the high-profile dispute between the FBI and Apple following the 2015 mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, saw Apple refusing to unlock an iPhone, citing privacy and security concerns. The FBI then sought assistance from an Australian hacking firm to gain access to the phone.

In addition to accessing Crooks's phone, the FBI revealed that they have conducted nearly 100 interviews with law enforcement personnel, event attendees, and other witnesses. Furthermore, they have completed searches of the suspect's car and residence as part of the investigation.

As the investigation progresses, authorities hope to gain a clearer understanding of the motive behind the shooting at Trump's campaign rally. The analysis of Crooks' phone may provide crucial insights into the events leading up to the incident and the individual's intentions.