The FBI has disclosed new information about the suspect involved in the Trump shooter incident, including photos that provide further insights into the case.
According to the FBI, it is probable that the Pennsylvania resident who made an attempt on killing Republican nominee Donald Trump acted by himself and his reasoning behind such a violent act remains unknown.
During a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania last month, Thomas Crooks aimed and fired eight shots at Trump. His aim caused one member of the audience to die while injuring two others. Although he managed to nick the candidate’s ear with one shot, Secret Service agents took him down before he could cause more harm as they fatally shot him on site.
Robert Wells, executive assistant director of the FBI’s national security branch stated on Wednesday to reporters that it is important for him to clarify that there has been no evidence found indicating that Crooks was instructed by a foreign entity in conducting the attack.
The bureau chose to inform media outlets via conference call while also releasing photos of evidence in the case, including Crooks’ rifle, backpack, car trunk bombs and air conditioner used for climbing onto the roof.
Wells stated that the FBI has yet to discover both the motive behind the assassination attempt and any co-conspirators who may have been implicated.
According to reports, over the past six weeks federal agents carried out in excess of 1,000 interviews. The FBI reviewed Crooks’ online activity for a period of five years and discovered “a blend of perspectives,” as stated by Kevin Rojek, who serves as special agent leading the Pittsburgh field office.
READ ALSO: Trump to Cooperate with FBI on Assassination Attempt Investigation
According to the Washington Post, Rojek stated that there is no clear political ideology associated with their subject, regardless of whether it leans left or right.
According to the FBI, it is alleged that Crooks conducted research on both national party conventions and Trump’s Butler rally. Additionally, as early as 2019 he began searching for information related to creating improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Crooks’ car trunk contained two IEDs. The first report mentioned pipe bombs; however, the FBI photographs released by Allegheny County Police Department revealed that he utilized ammunition boxes as casings instead. As per the investigation, there were multiple issues due to Crooks’ improper construction of these devices and also off remote detonation receiver for them reported by the bureau.
The official autopsy results, cited by the FBI, have revealed that Crooks did not consume any alcohol or drugs prior to his death. He was killed from a single bullet wound in the head.
In the beginning of this month, an individual from the Republican party went to Butler and discovered that within three days, the FBI had “released” a crime scene by clearing away any trace of blood or other biological materials on the rooftop where Crooks was located. Also, Crook’s family cremated his body on July 23 which makes it difficult for an unbiased party to authenticate autopsy results.
Despite the FBI’s statement of full cooperation during the investigation, Crooks’ parents have enlisted a top-tier legal team.
