Thomas Crooks, the 20-year-old man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, spent months meticulously planning an attack on a mass gathering, the FBI disclosed on Wednesday. The bureau revealed that Thomas Crooks had fixated on high-profile political figures, conducting extensive research on both Republican and Democratic events. The July 13 rally in Butler, where the incident occurred, was identified by Crooks as a “target of opportunity,” according to investigators.
The FBI’s findings indicate that Crooks searched online more than 60 times for information related to the Republican presidential candidate and his then-rival, Democratic President Joe Biden, before ultimately registering for the Trump rally. The bureau, however, noted that despite his extensive planning, they are still unable to definitively determine Thomas Crooks’ motive. Investigators emphasized that there is no evidence to suggest Crooks was aligned with any particular political ideology, either right or left wing.
The Assault and the Weapon Used
In a press release, the FBI shared new photographs detailing the AR-15 rifle Crooks used in the attack. The images include the firearm, manufactured by DPMS Panther Arms, which was fitted with a 5.56x45mm/.223 caliber bullet, AEMS ‘Red Dot’ optics, a precision attachment rail, and a Magpul extendible rear stock. Additionally, the bureau released images of the homemade bombs found in Crooks’ car trunk and the air conditioning unit he used to climb onto the roof, from where he opened fire. The FBI had earlier deemed Crooks as suspicious but failed to apprehend him before the attack occurred.
Law enforcement also confirmed that there was no second shooter involved and dismissed any theories suggesting that Crooks was backed by a foreign entity. The investigation has been extensive, with more than 1,000 interviews conducted over the last six weeks. Despite the detailed information gathered, including the type of weaponry used, the FBI remains cautious about drawing final conclusions on Crooks’ motivations, maintaining that their probe is ongoing.
Family Under Scrutiny as Investigation Continues
As the investigation deepens, Crooks’ family, particularly his parents, have come under increased scrutiny. The FBI is reportedly questioning how much they knew about their son’s intentions prior to the attack. Opitanglobamedia reported that Crooks’ father, Matthew Crooks, 53, who is described as a gun enthusiast, has previously sold firearms to relatives. This revelation has only fueled further inquiries into the family’s knowledge and potential involvement in the incident.
The FBI has confirmed that Thomas Crooks acted alone, but investigators are still seeking to understand the full scope of his preparations and any possible influence from his family. The pressure on the Crooks family has intensified, with his father hiring a team of powerhouse attorneys to navigate the ongoing investigation. A family member disclosed to opitanglobamedia that the FBI still has significant questions about what the parents knew before Thomas Crooks carried out his attack, leaving the investigation far from concluded.
FBI Releases Autopsy and Toxicology Report on Thomas Crooks
The FBI has released the autopsy and toxicology report on Thomas Matthew Crooks, the man responsible for the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The report concluded that Crooks was killed by a single shot to the head, fired by Secret Service counter-snipers during the incident. The autopsy revealed no signs of alcohol or drugs in his system, confirming that he was sober at the time of the attack. This finding has been crucial in dispelling any speculation that Crooks might have been under the influence during the event.
However, despite the clarity provided by the toxicology results, questions remain about how Crooks managed to get so close to the former president. A family member, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed frustration with the FBI’s findings, stating, “The FBI still very much has questions about how much they knew and how he [Thomas] slipped through the net.” This statement underscores the family’s concern about the lapses in security that allowed Crooks to carry out his deadly plan.
Family Braces for Legal Battle Amid Potential Charges
In response to the ongoing investigation, the family of Thomas Crooks appears to be preparing for a legal battle. The choice of Quinn Logue, a prominent Pittsburgh-based law firm known for its expertise in both criminal defense and civil suits, suggests that the Crooks family is anticipating potential criminal charges as well as civil action from the families of Crooks’ victims. Quinn Logue specializes in cases involving wrongful death and personal injury, indicating that the Crooks family is taking the possibility of legal repercussions seriously.
The decision to retain such high-profile legal representation highlights the gravity of the situation. As the investigation continues, the Crooks family is likely to face intense scrutiny, not only from law enforcement but also from the public and the families of those affected by Thomas Crooks’ actions. The unfolding legal proceedings could have significant implications, not just for the Crooks family, but also for how such cases are handled in the future.
