The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, as the shooter in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13. The investigation has revealed Crooks' potential ties to extreme anti-Semitic comments and online posts embracing political violence.
The FBI accessed Crooks’ electronic devices, uncovering significant digital evidence. These devices, alongside searches of his residence and vehicle, have provided insights into his motives and actions leading up to the shooting. The FBI has not disclosed a clear motive but is treating the incident as potential domestic terrorism.
🚨#BREAKING Trump Assassination attempt UPDATE! – Both Thomas Crooks AND Maxwell Yearick were members of the same gun club!
(Clairton Sportsman's Club)
-Same club the DHS and ICE train at!
-Talking in the video is George Webb
-Only club in the area that could have trained these… pic.twitter.com/1XUk0d6ZV0— In2ThinAir (@In2ThinAir) July 25, 2024
The shooting resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, including former President Trump. The firearm used was legally purchased, and Crooks was previously unknown to the FBI. The investigation continues to determine if there were any co-conspirators.
Sources close to the investigation suggest Crooks maintained social media accounts under aliases, where he posted extremist content.
Insane footage of Trump shooter getting in position on the roof across from the rally. pic.twitter.com/lnMViEOK7O
— ALX 🇺🇸 (@alx) July 31, 2024
These accounts exhibited deep-seated anti-Semitic beliefs and support for political violence, aligning with the FBI's findings from his electronic devices.
Witnesses from the rally are being interviewed, and the FBI is encouraging anyone with additional information to come forward. The agency is meticulously piecing together the timeline of Crooks' actions before and during the attack.
The investigation is being led by the FBI's Pittsburgh Field Office, with collaboration from local, state, and federal partners. The agency has reassured the public that there are no ongoing threats related to this incident .
The assassination attempt underscores the ongoing threat posed by domestic extremists, particularly those fueled by anti-Semitic ideologies. The FBI continues to scrutinize digital media tips and encourages the public to provide any relevant information .
