The FBI has released new details and photos related to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired eight shots from a rooftop, injuring two attendees and killing one person, before being fatally shot by a Secret Service sniper. Trump was also wounded, receiving a shot to his ear. The FBI has not identified a clear motive and is still investigating whether Crooks acted alone or had accomplices.
Newly released photos by the FBI include images of Crooks’ AR-style rifle, which was used during the attack, and items found in his car, such as improvised explosive devices. The photos reveal details about the gun and other equipment, including a backpack and materials for explosive devices, suggesting a well-planned attack. The FBI noted that while Crooks had prepared these devices, they were improperly constructed, and he did not manage to detonate them.
Further investigation revealed that Crooks had been planning his attack since September 2023, evidenced by his online searches for Trump campaign events and information on explosive devices dating back to 2019. He had become “hyper-focused” on Trump’s rally as a target, according to FBI Pittsburgh field office head Kevin Rojek. The investigation also found a mix of ideologies in Crooks’ digital footprint, adding complexity to determining his exact motives.
The FBI continues to probe the incident, with Crooks’ parents reportedly cooperating with the investigation. They have also conducted a “productive” interview with Trump as part of their ongoing efforts to uncover more details about the attack and any possible threats associated with it.
