FBI Reveals Details on Would-Be Assassin’s Actions at Trump Rally
In a press conference on Monday morning, the FBI disclosed new information about the would-be assassin, Thomas Crooks, who attempted to kill former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. The 20-year-old assailant accessed the roof of a nearby building by climbing HVAC equipment and piping, eventually finding his shooting position atop a building owned by American Glass Research (AGR), located approximately 150 yards from the rally venue.
Detailed Account of Crooks’ Actions
Special Agent Kevin Rojak, in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office, provided a timeline of Crooks’ actions leading up to the shooting. The FBI revealed that Crooks used a DPMS AR-15-style firearm with a collapsible stock to fire at Trump, grazing the former president’s ear and leaving one man dead and two others hospitalized.
Despite purchasing a ladder hours before the attempt, Crooks did not use it at the rally. Instead, he maneuvered across multiple rooftops to reach his vantage point. Investigators discovered that Crooks had flown a drone near the rally site about two hours before the shooting, highlighting the premeditated nature of his actions.
Early Warning Signs and Law Enforcement Response
Law enforcement officials first spotted Crooks around 5:10 p.m., an hour before the shooting, noting his suspicious behavior and alerting command. Despite these warnings, Crooks managed to evade security. The FBI is investigating how he avoided detection despite being noticed by law enforcement over an hour before shots were fired.
Pre-Attempt Preparations and Motive
The investigation uncovered that Crooks had been preparing for the attack well in advance. He conducted internet searches on current and former presidents and specifically researched the distance between Lee Harvey Oswald and President John F. Kennedy during the 1963 assassination. Crooks visited the rally site on July 7, spending about 20 minutes scouting the area.
Crooks’ interest in firearms began in 2023, leading to 25 online firearms purchases using an alias in the spring of 2023. Additionally, he made six purchases of chemical precursors for explosive devices, also using aliases. The AR-15-style rifle used in the attack was legally purchased and transferred to him by his father, along with 50 rounds of ammunition bought on the morning of the rally.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
FBI Director Christopher Wray testified during a July 17 congressional hearing that Crooks had been at the rally site for about 70 minutes on the morning of the assassination attempt. The FBI has examined over 2,100 tips related to the case since July 13, and more than 300 agents and staff are working tirelessly to piece together Crooks’ actions and potential motives.
Investigators found eight rounds on the roof from where Crooks fired. Despite initial reports, the FBI clarified there are no indications that Crooks had co-conspirators. The Behavioral Analysis Unit is developing a comprehensive profile of Crooks, describing him as highly intelligent, a college attendee, and a steady worker, but also a loner with no significant associations.
Impact on the Community
The attack left a profound impact on the Butler community and beyond. Corey Comperatore, 50, was killed while protecting his family, and two others, David Dutch and James Copenhaver, were seriously injured. Dutch has since been released from the hospital, while Copenhaver remains hospitalized.
Former President Trump, who was grazed by a bullet during the attempt, is expected to return to Butler for another rally, though no specific details have been announced.
The FBI continues to investigate the incident, aiming to provide a clearer understanding of Crooks’ motivations and actions, while the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event.