Gunman in Trump Assassination Attempt Conducted Extensive Attack Planning, Says FBI Official

In a shocking update on the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump, the FBI has revealed that the gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, conducted "extensive attack planning" prior to the incident. The 20-year-old suspect had searched online for events involving both Trump and President Joe Biden, repeatedly looked up information about explosives, and identified the Pennsylvania campaign rally as a "target of opportunity," according to a senior FBI official.

Investigators have conducted almost 1,000 interviews but have yet to determine a motive for Crooks' actions during the July 13 campaign rally. However, they believe that his online search history indicates a sustained effort to plan an attack on some event or target. Special Agent Kevin Rojek, in charge of the FBI's Pittsburgh field office, stated that Crooks became hyper-focused on the specific event in Butler, Pennsylvania, once it was announced and saw it as an opportunity to carry out his attack.

Leading up to the rally, Crooks' internet searches included queries about the grounds where the rally was held, spotlighting his interest in details such as the location where Trump would speak and photos of the Butler Farm Show. These new details paint a chilling picture of a man who appeared fixated on explosives, major events, and prominent political figures. However, authorities are still unable to assign a simple motive, despite gaining insight into his mindset.

"We have a clear idea of mindset, but we are not ready to make any conclusive statements regarding motive at this time," Rojek emphasized.

The FBI has confirmed that a bullet struck Trump in the ear during the attack. Crooks, positioned on the roof of a nearby building, fired a total of eight shots before being killed by a Secret Service counter sniper.

This incident continues to raise concerns about the safety of high-profile individuals and the vigilance required to prevent such acts of violence. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to piece together the full extent of Crooks' planning and any potential connections to broader extremist ideologies.