Official FBI statements or public news reports

FBI Reveals Details on Trump Assassination Attempt by Thomas Crooks in Butler County

Aug 28, 2024, 06:17 PM

The FBI has disclosed new details regarding the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The suspect, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, conducted over 60 online searches related to both Trump and President Joe Biden in the 30 days leading up to the attack. The FBI reports that Crooks exhibited mixed political ideologies, not clearly aligning with either the right or left. He viewed Trump's July rally in Pennsylvania as a 'target of opportunity' and had been researching campaign schedules as early as September 2023. Surveillance footage showed Crooks on a roof for six minutes before the attack. The FBI has released photos of the AR-15 rifle used in the attempt, as well as a backpack and explosives found in Crooks' car. Investigators have not identified a motive or found evidence of a second shooter in the July 13 assassination attempt in Butler County.