On July 13, a violent attempt risked the life of former President Donald Trump during his campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Thomas Matthew Crooks orchestrated the assassination attempt; it concluded tragically with one person dead and others severely injured, Fox News reported.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, meticulously planned the assault that unfolded at the scheduled rally. He had registered to attend the event and utilized a drone to fly around the site before initiating his assault from a building rooftop, as detailed by Kevin Rojek, a special agent at the FBI.
The attacker showed unsettling commitment, conducting over 60 online searches about President Biden and Trump’s campaign events from July 2023 to July 2024. His lack of clear political alignment complicates the case.
Records revealed searches on Trump’s and Biden's campaign locations, logistics for the Butler rally, and past assassination incidents. The planning spanned several months, with Crooks refining his plot and monitoring weather conditions to avoid disruptions.
FBI agents found two explosive devices in Crooks's car, showing the potential for a larger disaster. He used a semi-automatic rifle during the attack and accessed the roof through an air conditioning unit for a strategic position. Security footage showed Crooks moving across rooftops, highlighting his extensive preparation and determination.
Crooks's attack was carefully orchestrated, not impulsive. "Thomas Matthew Crooks had a sustained detailed effort to plan an attack on some event," said Kevin Rojek.
Despite Crooks's detailed planning, his motives remain unclear and no political ideology is associated with him. His search for "AGR International" adds to the uncertainty surrounding his intentions.
Special Agent Rojek noted, "Next, from April 2024 through July 12, the subject searched campaign events for both former President Trump and President Biden," indicating a broader scope for potential disruption. Here is Rojek laying out the meticulous digital trail left by Crooks leading up to the event:
On July 6, Crooks searched for specific details about Trump's event in Butler. On July 8, the subject search 'AGR international'. On July 10, he searched 'weather in Butler,' and the 30 days prior to the attack, the subject conducted more than 60 searches related to President Biden and former President Trump.
In addition to the unraveled plans by the investigators, it was confirmed that Crooks managed to spend a mere six minutes on the rooftop before law enforcement neutralized him, preventing further catastrophe.
The attack's impact is felt nationwide, raising concerns about campaign event security and the hidden pressures involved. Consequently, investigations will delve deeper into Crooks's background and affiliations to understand his motives.
Furthermore, no evidence of accomplices has been found, suggesting Crooks acted alone. Thus, the community and nation are confronted with security vulnerabilities at high-profile events. As the FBI continues its probe, it aims to piece together Crooks's digital and real-world trail. This will be crucial in shaping future security measures for similar events.
