FBI Uncovers Suspected Shooter’s Extensive Planning but Struggles to Determine Motive in Trump Assassination Attempt

The FBI has made significant progress in analyzing the mindset of the suspected shooter involved in the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, officials reported on Wednesday. However, they have yet to determine a clear motive.

During a media call on Wednesday afternoon, the FBI revealed that they have conducted nearly 1,000 interviews, executed multiple search warrants, issued numerous subpoenas, and reviewed hundreds of hours of video footage as part of their investigation. Officials stated that Thomas Matthew Crooks had meticulously planned an attack on a major event, and when the Trump rally was announced, he became “hyperfocused” on it as a “target of opportunity.” In addition to a previously disclosed online search by Crooks on July 6 regarding the distance between Lee Harvey Oswald and John F. Kennedy, investigators found that he also searched for terms such as “Where will Trump speak from at Butler Farm Show?” and “Butler Farm Show podium” as well as “Butler Farm Show photos.”

In the 30 days leading up to the attack, Crooks conducted over 60 searches related to former President Trump and President Biden, according to the FBI. Further investigation into Crooks’ online activities, dating back to 2019, revealed that he had searched for information on explosive devices, including “How to make a bomb from fertilizer” and “How remote detonators work.” The FBI also released an image of an improvised explosive device found in Crooks’ vehicle, noting that all the components were legally purchased and easily accessible online.