The FBI has revealed new details about the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump last month.
On July 13, at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire on the crowd. The attack injured two attendees, killed one, and wounded Trump, who was shot in the ear. Shortly after firing eight bullets, Crooks was shot and killed by a Secret Service sniper.
Despite ongoing investigations, the FBI has yet to determine Crooks’ motive or find evidence of any accomplices.
Kevin Rojek, head of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office, stated Crooks had engaged in detailed planning and became intensely focused on the Butler rally. The FBI also discovered a mix of ideologies associated with Crooks.
Rojek explained that Crooks zeroed in on the rally as soon as it was announced in early July, viewing it as a prime target.
In September 2023, an online account linked to Crooks began searching for Trump campaign events in Pennsylvania. Between April 2024 and July 12, Crooks also searched for information on campaign events for both Trump and President Joe Biden, including the dates for the Democratic and Republican conventions.
Additionally, searches for explosive devices by accounts tied to Crooks date back to 2019. These included terms like ‘detonating cord,’ ‘how to make a bomb from fertilizer,’ and ‘how do remote detonators work.’
The FBI provided details on the shooting, noting Crooks spent six minutes on the roof of the AGR building and fired eight shots before law enforcement responded with two shots—one from a Secret Service sniper and one from a local officer.
The FBI also released four photos related to the incident. The first shows Crooks’ AR-style rifle made by DPMS Panther Arms, recovered at the scene. The second photo depicts the disassembled rifle and the backpack Crooks wore during the rally.
The third photo, taken by the Allegheny County Police Department, shows two improvised explosive devices. The FBI noted that the devices had multiple construction flaws and that the receiver for remote detonation was in the ‘off’ position.
The final photo features an air conditioning unit Crooks used to climb to the AGR building’s roof. The FBI clarified this image was not an evidence photo but was taken during a site tour following the assassination attempt.
As part of the investigation, the FBI interviewed Trump and described the session as ‘productive.’ Rojek also mentioned that Crooks’ parents have been ‘extremely cooperative’ during the investigation.
What Other Media Are Saying
- CNN releases fresh images of the firearm used in the Trump assassination attempt, including the backpack and explosives found in the shooter’s vehicle, adding insights from analyst John Miller. (read more)
- FBI continues to investigate the shooting incident at the July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, as an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, with the motive and evidence of any co-conspirators still unknown. (read more)
- NPR reports that the Trump shooter, Thomas Crooks, viewed the rally as a ‘target of opportunity’ after its announcement, and the FBI has yet to establish a motive or identify co-conspirators. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened at the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania?
A shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, opened fire, injuring two attendees, killing one, and wounding Trump.
Who was the shooter at the Trump rally?
The shooter was identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks.
What did the FBI find in Crooks’ online searches?
Crooks searched for Trump campaign events, information on explosive devices, and details for both Democratic and Republican conventions.
What items did the FBI release photos of?
The FBI released photos of Crooks’ rifle, his disassembled rifle with a backpack, two improvised explosive devices, and an air conditioning unit.
What is the status of the FBI’s investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, with no identified motive or evidence of Crooks working with others.