FBI Releases New Details and Photos from Investigation into Attempted Assassination of Former President Donald Trump
ICARO Media Group
In a significant development, the FBI has unveiled four new photos and shared additional information related to its ongoing investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania. The bureau's investigation into the shooting that took place in Butler on July 13 continues, with authorities yet to uncover a motive or evidence of any accomplices working with the shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks.
During a briefing, Kevin Rojek, the head of the FBI's Pittsburgh field office, stated that investigators believe Crooks engaged in detailed attack planning. The young gunman's focus on Trump's campaign rally in Butler intensified after its announcement, and the FBI discovered a mix of ideologies tied to Crooks. It was revealed that Crooks had extensively searched for information on campaign events, including specific details about the Butler venue.
Notably, the FBI found that dating back to 2019, online accounts linked to Crooks had conducted searches related to explosive devices and bomb-making techniques. In addition, the bureau has identified antisemitic comments online that could be associated with Crooks, although further investigation is still underway to determine their origin.
Rojek also shed light on the events leading up to the shooting. He disclosed that Crooks had spent approximately six minutes on the roof of the AGR building before opening fire. While Crooks discharged eight shots, law enforcement fired two shots in response. One round was fired by a Secret Service sniper, while the other came from a local officer. Rojek emphasized that there is no evidence to suggest that Crooks was hit by the local officer's bullet or that there was a second gunman targeting Trump.
During the investigation, the FBI interviewed former President Donald Trump, describing the interview as "productive." The bureau has also been in contact with Crooks' parents, who have been extremely cooperative in providing information.
Accompanying the release of new details, the FBI shared four photos depicting key evidence gathered during the investigation. The first photo showcases the rifle used by Crooks during the attack. This AR-style rifle, manufactured by DPMS Panther Arms, featured an extendable rear stock and an optical sight attached to the rail. The second photo depicts the disassembled rifle alongside a backpack that Crooks was seen wearing at the rally, coinciding with previous findings mentioned by FBI Director Chris Wray.
The third photo, taken by the Allegheny County Police Department, reveals two improvised explosive devices discovered in Crooks' car. According to the FBI, the devices had several construction flaws, and the receiver that would have allowed Crooks to detonate them remotely was turned off. Wray mentioned recovering three relatively crude devices in total: two from the vehicle and one from Crooks' residence.
Lastly, the FBI shared a photo of the air conditioning unit that Crooks had used to gain access to the roof of the AGR building. Although the image was taken during a tour of the rally site after the assassination attempt, it provides a visual representation of the entry point chosen by Crooks.
The FBI continues to meticulously investigate the attempted assassination, prioritizing the identification of a motive and any potential links to other individuals or groups. The released photos and new information serve as important milestones in the ongoing inquiry, as the agency seeks to gather a comprehensive understanding of the events surrounding this shocking incident.