As part of its continuous research into the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, the FBI has released four fresh images. The gunman, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by a Secret Service rifle after firing eight bullets, injuring Trump and two protest guests, and killing one man.
During a lecture on Wednesday, Kevin Rojek, mind of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field company, provided new insight into Crooks ‘ steps leading up to the invasion. Rojek described Crooks as having “engaged in extensive attack planning” and becoming “hyper-focused” on the Trump march once it was announced, reported CBS news.
No obvious cause has been established, but the FBI discovered that Crooks ‘ online exercise included requests for Trump and Biden campaign events as well as details on incendiary devices and racist information.
Pictures of Crooks ‘ AR-style rifle being disassembled and with a suitcase he carried at the march are included in the recently released images.
In another image, two improvised explosive products, which the FBI called “relatively sophomoric,” were discovered in Crooks ‘ car. A last image shows an air conditioner that Crooks used to flame himself inside the AGR building, according to CBS News.
No indications that Crooks worked with others or that a minute shooter was involved in the FBI’s investigation are still being looked into. Trump has cooperated with the FBI, and researchers are still looking for information from Crooks ‘ parents, who have been referred to as “extremely cooperative.”
The FBI continues to work to uncover the full scope of Crooks ‘ planning and any potential contacts to extremist ideas as the research progresses.
