The FBI has disclosed new details regarding the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a Republican rally in Pennsylvania.
The assailant, identified as Thomas Crooks, had been meticulously planning the attack for nearly a year.
According to the FBI, Crooks, 20, had conducted over 60 online searches related to the Republican presidential candidate and his then-opponent, Democratic candidate President Joe Biden, dating back to September 2023.
The investigation revealed that Crooks had explored various potential targets before ultimately deciding to register for the Trump rally.
The FBI described Crooks’ actions as a “sustained, detailed effort” to target a major event, which culminated in his decision to focus on the rally held in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024.
During the rally, Crooks, armed with an AR-15-style rifle, fired several shots from the roof of a nearby manufacturing plant, located approximately 130 yards from the stage.
While one of the bullets grazed Trump’s ear, the attack resulted in the death of one civilian and left two others severely injured.
The Secret Service agents on duty quickly intervened, storming the stage to protect Trump, while members of the Secret Service Counter Sniper Team fatally shot Crooks.
The FBI has confirmed that Crooks acted alone, with no evidence of foreign involvement in the plot. Despite an extensive investigation, the motive behind Crooks’ actions remains unclear.
FBI officials have also revealed that Crooks possessed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in his vehicle, further underscoring the seriousness of the threat.
Photos of the weapon and the IEDs have been shared with the public.
Photos of the evidence FBI collected
Kevin Rojek, the FBI’s lead official in western Pennsylvania, stated that Crooks became “hyper-focused” on the Trump rally after it was announced, viewing it as a prime opportunity for his attack.
The incident has raised concerns about the security of political figures during public events, especially in the lead-up to the upcoming elections. While Trump survived the attempt on his life, the incident has left a lasting impact on those present at the rally and has sparked ongoing discussions about the safety of high-profile political gatherings.
