The FBI is investigating Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old man from Pennsylvania, for attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump. They have searched his residence and car, examined his phone and computer, and questioned over 100 people, but have yet to determine a clear ideological motive for the crime.
According to multiple anonymous sources cited by the Associated Press, the FBI found photos of not only Trump but also President Joe Biden and other officials, including Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Chris Wray on the gunman’s electronic devices.
During the search of Crooks’ electronic devices, investigators also found that he had searched for the dates of the Democratic National Convention as well as Trump’s public appearances.
Previous reports indicated that, according to state voter records, Crooks is a registered Republican. However, US Federal Election Commission records show that he donated $15 through the Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue in January 2021.
Crooks had also searched for information related to severe depression. But investigators have not confirmed whether he has been diagnosed with the condition.
Special Agent Kevin Roek, who is in charge of the Pittsburgh field office, stated during a reporter conference call on Sunday that “we have not found any signs of mental health issues.”
Crooks used an AR-style rifle, legally purchased by his father. Investigators also discovered that he carried multiple loaded magazines of ammunition. On the day of the shooting, he also purchased 50 rounds of ammunition from a local firearms store.
Authorities found a bulletproof vest and two improvised explosive devices in his car, and another improvised explosive device in his home. Over the past few months, he had received several packages, some of which were labeled as containing dangerous materials.
Local law enforcement officials told the Associated Press that they observed the gunman carrying a large backpack, loitering near the rally venue, and using a rangefinder to peer over the roof at the area where the president later stood on a stage.
During the incident, officers stationed outside the security perimeter shared a photo of Crooks. Witnesses later spotted him climbing the side of a low-rise manufacturing building 135 meters away from the stage. He then set up the AR-style rifle, lay on the roof with detonators in his pocket, preparing to detonate an improvised explosive device hidden in a nearby vehicle.
Butler Township Mayor Tom Knights stated in a release to the Associated Press on Thursday that local police were searching for the suspect when Trump arrived. When they did not find him around the building, a Butler Township officer, with the assistance of a colleague, climbed onto the roof and found someone pointing a rifle at them.
Knights mentioned, “The officer was exposed and could not engage the gunman while clinging to the edge of the roof. The officer retreated to the ground and immediately reported the suspect’s location and his possession of weapons.”
Minutes later, Crooks began firing, causing panic among the audience as Secret Service agents protected Trump and escorted him off the stage. Two counter-sniper teams stationed in a nearby building farther from Crooks opened fire, fatally shooting him.
In the shooting on July 13, Crooks killed one rally attendee and injured two others, including Trump who suffered a bloody ear. He attended the Republican National Convention a few days later with bandages on his wound.
Following the incident, the security concerns at Republican presidential candidate rallies became a focal point of attention. The Secret Service faced a barrage of public scrutiny, particularly regarding why law enforcement officers failed to prevent the gunman from firing from the rooftop.
President Biden announced on Sunday that he has ordered an independent review of the security work at the July 13 Trump rally. The Department of Homeland Security Inspector General website announced on Wednesday that they have initiated an investigation into the security operations of the Secret Service under their jurisdiction.
The House Oversight and Accountability Committee issued a subpoena to Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle on Wednesday, requesting her presence at a committee meeting next Monday (22nd). Cheatle has agreed to testify at the hearing.