The FBI has released new photos and information related to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania. The investigation into the shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13 is still ongoing, with the FBI stating that they have not yet identified a motive or evidence of any accomplices working with the gunman, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks.
During a briefing, Kevin Rojek, head of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office, revealed that investigators believe Crooks engaged in detailed attack planning. Crooks became fixated on Trump’s campaign rally in Butler once it was announced, displaying a mixture of ideologies. Crooks was ultimately shot and killed by a Secret Service sniper after firing eight bullets. Trump sustained injuries to his ear, and two rally attendees were also injured, with one person losing their life in the shooting.
Rojek highlighted that Crooks’ online activities revealed a pattern of searching for Trump campaign events in Pennsylvania, as well as information on campaign events for both Trump and President Biden. Leading up to the attack, Crooks searched for details about the Butler rally venue, demonstrating a focused intent on targeting the event.
Furthermore, investigations found that as early as 2019, online accounts linked to Crooks searched for information on explosive devices and remote detonators. Additionally, FBI officials linked antisemitic comments online to an account associated with Crooks, further complicating the investigation.
In detailing the events of the shooting, Rojek mentioned that Crooks spent six minutes on the roof of the AGR building before opening fire. The gunman discharged eight shots, while law enforcement fired two rounds in response, one from the Secret Service sniper and another from a local officer. There is no evidence to suggest that Crooks was hit by the local officer’s bullet, dispelling theories of a second gunman shooting at Trump.
The FBI also conducted interviews with Trump and Crooks’ parents, with both parties providing valuable information to aid the investigation. The bureau emphasized the cooperative nature of Crooks’ parents in assisting with the inquiry.
Accompanying the new information were photos released by the FBI, showcasing evidence collected during the investigation. The first photo displayed Crooks’ rifle, an AR-style firearm made by DPMS Panther Arms, equipped with an optical sight and extendable rear stock. The second photo depicted Crooks’ disassembled rifle alongside a backpack he wore at the rally site, shedding light on how he concealed the weapon.
Additionally, a photo from the Allegheny County Police Department revealed two improvised explosive devices found in Crooks’ car. The FBI confirmed that the devices were relatively crude and had construction flaws, with one device found at Crooks’ residence and two in his vehicle.
The final photo released by the FBI featured an air conditioning unit that Crooks used to access the roof of the AGR building. This image provided insight into Crooks’ movements leading up to the shooting, highlighting his strategic positioning on the roof.
Overall, the FBI’s ongoing investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump continues to reveal crucial details about Crooks’ actions and motivations. The release of new photos and information serves to further illuminate the events surrounding the tragic incident in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Melissa Quinn, a politics reporter for CBSNews.com, contributed to this report. Melissa covers U.S. politics, with a focus on the Supreme Court and federal courts, bringing valuable insights to the coverage of this high-profile case.
