FBI Unveils New Photos and Details from Trump Shooting Investigation

Washington — The FBI has unveiled four new photos in its ongoing investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania. The shots, released on Wednesday, come alongside an update on what authorities know about the shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks.

The shooting incident occurred on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Although the investigation is still in progress, the FBI has not determined a specific motive for Crooks’ actions or any connections he may have had with accomplices. Kevin Rojek, the head of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office, revealed during a briefing that investigators suspect Crooks had meticulously planned the attack.

Rojek explained that Crooks became increasingly fixated on the rally after it was announced, treating it as a prime target. He was ultimately shot and killed by a Secret Service sniper following his assault, which injured Trump in the ear and left two other rally attendees hurt. Tragically, one person lost their life in the chaos.

“Upon the announcement of the Trump rally in early July, he became hyper-focused on that specific event and viewed it as a target of opportunity,” Rojek stated.

In late September 2023, an online account linked to Crooks exhibited a keen interest in upcoming Trump campaign events scheduled across Pennsylvania. Between April 2024 and July 12, he researched both Trump and President Biden’s campaign activities. After the Butler rally was confirmed, Crooks sought specific information about the venue, including details about the “Butler farm show podium.”

Additionally, about a month before the attack, Crooks was found searching for information related to both Trump and Biden, including the dates for the upcoming Democratic and Republican conventions.

Rojek reported that investigations revealed Crooks had, as early as 2019, conducted online searches related to explosives, including terms like “detonating cord” and “how to make a bomb from fertilizer.” Furthermore, the FBI is looking into antisemitic comments associated with accounts tied to Crooks to ascertain whether those remarks originated from him.

The FBI’s briefing also provided a detailed account of the shooting itself. Crooks spent approximately six minutes on the roof of the AGR building before initiating gunfire. He discharged eight rounds, while law enforcement fired two shots—one at the hands of a Secret Service sniper and another from a local officer. There is no evidence suggesting that a local officer’s bullet struck Crooks or that a second shooter was involved in the incident.

As part of their investigation, FBI agents interviewed Trump. They described the exchange as “productive.” They also reached out to Crooks’ parents, who Rojek noted have been very cooperative.

The newly released details coincided with the publication of photos highlighting crucial evidence gathered during the probe. The first image displays the rifle used by Crooks, described as an AR-style weapon made by DPMS Panther Arms. It features an extendable rear stock and an optical sight, according to the FBI.

The second photo showcases Crooks’ disassembled rifle next to a backpack identified as belonging to him at the rally. FBI Director Chris Wray indicated earlier that the rifle’s collapsible stock likely concealed it from rally attendees before the shooting began.

In another significant release, the FBI presented a photo captured by the Allegheny County Police Department, showing two improvised explosive devices uncovered in the trunk of Crooks’ vehicle. Although the receiver meant for remote detonation was turned off, Wray clarified that the devices had multiple construction issues.

Wray testified that the FBI recovered a total of three “relatively crude” devices associated with Crooks: two from his vehicle and one from his residence.

The final image released by the FBI shows the air conditioning unit that Crooks allegedly used to access the roof where he opened fire. Although this photo is not listed as evidence, it was taken during a tour of the rally site subsequent to the assassination attempt.

As investigators move forward, they are continuing to gather evidence to better understand the circumstances surrounding this serious incident.

Source: CBS News