FBI Releases New Photos and Details in Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump at Pennsylvania Rally
Butler, Pennsylvania – On Wednesday, the FBI released four new photos from its ongoing investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. The bureau also provided additional insights into the shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, whose actions and motives remain under investigation.
FBI Investigation Uncovers Details of the Attack
The FBI’s investigation has yet to determine a clear motive or whether Crooks acted alone. However, Kevin Rojek, head of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office, indicated that Crooks had engaged in “detailed attack planning.” According to Rojek, Crooks became intensely focused on Trump’s campaign rally after it was announced, exhibiting a “mixture of ideologies.”
Crooks, armed with an AR-style rifle, fired eight shots at the rally, injuring Trump, who was hit in the ear, and two rally attendees. Tragically, one person was killed. The shooter was ultimately killed by a Secret Service sniper.
Rojek revealed that Crooks had been planning the attack for months, beginning in late September 2023. Online accounts linked to Crooks show he searched for Trump campaign events in Pennsylvania and details about the Butler rally venue. He also looked up information on events for both Trump and President Biden, as well as the dates for the Democratic and Republican conventions.
Further investigation revealed that as early as 2019, Crooks had searched for information related to explosive devices, including how to make bombs and use detonating cords. The FBI is also examining antisemitic comments made online by an account linked to Crooks.
New FBI Photos Provide Insight
The FBI released four photos that shed light on the evidence collected in the investigation:
Crooks’ Rifle: The first photo shows the AR-style rifle used in the attack, manufactured by DPMS Panther Arms. The firearm had an extendable rear stock and an optical sight attached to the rail.
Disassembled Rifle and Backpack: The second photo shows Crooks’ disassembled rifle alongside the backpack he wore during the attack. FBI Director Chris Wray mentioned that the rifle’s collapsible stock might explain why it went unnoticed by rally attendees.
Improvised Explosive Devices: The third photo, taken by the Allegheny County Police Department, shows two improvised explosive devices found in Crooks’ car. The devices were deemed “relatively crude” by the FBI, with the receiver to detonate them remotely turned off.
Access to the Roof: The final photo depicts the air conditioning unit Crooks used to access the roof of the AGR building, where he opened fire. The FBI clarified that this photo was taken during a post-attack tour of the site.
Ongoing Investigation
The FBI continues its investigation, having interviewed Trump, who provided “productive” information, and Crooks’ parents, who have been “extremely cooperative.” Despite these efforts, the bureau has not identified any accomplices or a clear motive behind Crooks’ actions.
As the investigation progresses, the FBI remains committed to uncovering the full extent of Crooks’ planning and any potential connections to other individuals or groups.