On Sunday, July 14th, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) provided updated information regarding the assassination attempt against former President Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania.
FBI agent Kevin Rojek stated that prior to the shooting incident, the shooter did not raise any red flags with the FBI.
“The shooter acted alone, and there is currently no public safety concern. Investigators are still trying to determine the shooter’s ideology and motive. To do so, they are working to access the shooter’s phone and other electronic devices,” Rojek said.
He emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages. “We are actively trying to establish a series of activities related to the suspect in the hours, days, and weeks leading up to the shooting incident. There are no indications that the shooter had any mental health issues.”
The shooter has been identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. Investigators are attempting to determine his motive by examining Crooks’ social media presence.
Rojek confirmed that the weapon used by Crooks was a legally purchased AR-type rifle. Investigators are still examining suspicious devices found in the suspect’s vehicle.
FBI officials verified that the gun used by Crooks was purchased by his father. Investigators have not uncovered any material that would reveal Crooks’ motive for attempting to assassinate Trump.
In a phone briefing to the media, Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that the shooting incident was an attack on democracy. “The Department of Justice will not tolerate it,” he added. “As Americans, we cannot tolerate such behavior. It must stop.”
FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized that every effort will be made to unravel this shooting incident. FBI Assistant Director for National Security Robert Wells stated that the FBI is investigating the attempted assassination of former President Trump as a potential act of domestic terrorism.
The Wall Street Journal reported that this indicates both criminal and counterterrorism investigators are involved in the investigation.