Washington — On July 13, 2021, the world was shocked by the news of a 20-year-old gunman attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The incident left Trump with a bloody ear and resulted in the death of one rallygoer and injuries of two others. The FBI has been diligently investigating the case, and on Wednesday, they shared their updated assessment of the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks.
According to senior FBI officials, their findings are based on almost 1,000 interviews and extensive analysis of Crooks’ internet search activity and social media accounts. The assessment reveals that Crooks was determined to carry out an attack and saw Trump as a “target of opportunity.”
FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Rojek stated during a phone briefing, “We saw through our analysis of all his online searches a sustained, detailed effort to plan an attack on some event.” He also mentioned that the shooter had considered various events and targets but became hyperfocused on the Trump rally in Butler when it was announced by the campaign.
However, the motive behind Crooks’ attempt to assassinate Trump remains a mystery. FBI Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells stated, “At this time, the FBI has not identified a motive.” He also clarified that there is no credible evidence to suggest that the shooter had any help from individuals or foreign governments. Wells further stated, “We have not seen any indication to suggest Crooks was directed by a foreign entity to conduct the attack.”
The FBI officials also dismissed conspiracy theories surrounding a potential second shooter. They confirmed that a forensic examination of the shooter’s gun, an AR-style rifle, conclusively linked the weapon to all eight shell casings found on the roof of the building where the attack took place. Only two other shots were fired, one by a local law enforcement officer and one by a US Secret Service sniper, which ultimately killed the shooter.
Since the incident, FBI investigators have been meticulously combing through Crooks’ internet searches and social media activity. They have also been speaking to anyone who knew him in an effort to understand his mindset. Last month, FBI Director Christopher Wray informed lawmakers that Crooks had become fixated on high-profile public figures. Just a week before the attempted assassination, the shooter had searched for information on the 1963 killing of US President John F. Kennedy by Lee Harvey Oswald. “On July 6, he did a Google search for, ‘How far away was Oswald from Kennedy?'” Wray stated. “That’s obviously significant in terms of his state of mind. That is the same day that he registered for the Butler rally.”
During their briefing on Wednesday, FBI officials provided a more detailed account of Crooks’ planning and mindset. They revealed that he had begun preparing to carry out an attack or shooting as far back as September 2023, using an online account to look at Trump’s campaign schedule. In April of this year, the shooter started researching campaign events for both Trump and current President Joe Biden. Rojek stated, “In the 30 days prior to the attack, the subject conducted more than 60 searches related to President Biden and former President Trump.” He also mentioned that the shooter had looked up the dates and locations of the Republican and Democratic national conventions.
However, Rojek also clarified that Crooks’ focus on carrying out an attack goes back even further. In September 2019, he had begun researching how to make explosives. The FBI officials also stated that there is no indication, so far, that Crooks was motivated by any particular political leaning. “We’ve seen no definitive ideology associated with our subject, either left-leaning or right-leaning,” Rojek said. “It’s really been a mixture, and something that we’re still attempting to analyze and draw conclusions on.”
It also appears that Crooks was clear-headed and methodical in his attempt to kill Trump. Lab tests showed no signs that he was using alcohol or illicit drugs at the time of the attack, according to FBI officials.
In conclusion, the updated assessment by the FBI sheds new light on the mindset and planning of Thomas Matthew Crooks. It also dispels any rumors or theories surrounding the incident. The FBI’s thorough investigation has shown that this was an isolated act of violence by a determined individual. It is a reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant and cautious in today’s world. Let us continue to unite as a nation
