In a recent update on the Butler rally shooting, new information has come to light that sheds light on the events leading up to the tragic incident. The investigation into Thomas Crooks, the assailant, has revealed alarming details regarding his interactions, online activities, and possible motives.

Thomas Crooks, a former student at Bethel Park High School, was described by his classmates as displaying concerning behavior. A classmate mentioned that Crooks made statements that raised concern, indicating potential issues. However, the school maintained that Crooks excelled academically, attended regularly, and had no disciplinary incidents on record. The school denied any bullying incidents involving Crooks.

The investigation uncovered undated footage showing Crooks being incessantly taunted by a prankster who tugged on his pant leg. Though the school claimed to have no record of bullying incidents, they acknowledged a separate incident in 2019 involving threats made by a different student against school administrators, emphasizing that it had no connection to Thomas Crooks.

Rumors surrounding Crooks' motive for opening fire at the Trump rally continue to circulate. Investigators discovered that he had searched online about major depressive disorder, though there is no evidence of a formal diagnosis. Former FBI terrorism task force supervisor Michael McKeown suggested that Crooks may have been on a "pathway to violence", expressing grievances and resorting to violence instead of seeking mental health counseling.

Further investigation revealed that Crooks had made online searches for high-profile political figures, including President Biden and former President Trump. He had also visited a nearby gun range and scouted out the rally location a week in advance. Law enforcement officials revealed that Crooks had allegedly programmed a drone to fly over the rally grounds, mapping out his plan.

On the day of the shooting, Crooks returned to the rally grounds with a rangefinder, potentially testing how authorities would respond. These actions align with the research and preparation phase often identified in the FBI's assessment of individuals on the pathway to violence.

Authorities are still trying to ascertain the specific motive behind Crooks' decision to target the rally and fire at Trump. Mental health experts have suggested that a possible mental health crisis and feelings of isolation may have contributed to his actions. Medical researcher Professor Peter Gøtzsche even suggested a potential link with depression medication, though this remains unconfirmed.

The lack of clear ideological convictions in Crooks' case draws parallels to John Hinckley Jr., the attempted assassin of President Ronald Reagan in 1981. It seems that Crooks was driven more by a desire for notoriety and attention rather than a strong political ideology.

As the investigation continues, authorities are piecing together the puzzle surrounding the Butler rally shooting, with the hope of gaining a deeper understanding of the motivations behind this tragic event.