On Sunday, July 14th, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) provided updated information regarding the assassination attempt on former President Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania.
FBI Special Agent Kevin Rojek stated that prior to the shooting incident, the shooter had not raised any concerns from the FBI.
“The shooter acted alone, and there is currently no public safety issue. Investigators are still trying to determine the shooter’s ideology and motive. To do so, they are working to be able 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 working diligently to determine a series of activities related to the suspect’s whereabouts in the hours, days, and weeks leading up to the shooting. There are no indications that the shooter had any mental health issues.”
The shooter was identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. Investigators are trying to ascertain his motive by examining Crooks’ social media.
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 confirmed that the gun used by Crooks was purchased by his father. Investigators did not find any material that could 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 this behavior. It must stop.”
FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized that every effort will be made to uncover the details of this shooting incident. FBI National Security Branch Assistant Director 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 means both criminal and counterterrorism investigators are involved in the investigation.