F.B.I. Profiles Would-Be Trump Assassin as Mass Shooter

Thomas Crooks, who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump in July 2024, had shown an interest in violence dating back to 2019. An analysis of his electronics revealed that his focus shifted to Trump following the announcement of a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The F.B.I. conducted a thorough investigation and found no evidence of a political ideology driving Crooks' actions, nor any connections to co-conspirators or foreign plots. Crooks' online activity indicated a desire to commit a high-profile attack, with searches ranging from bomb-making techniques to tracking the movements of politicians from both major parties. His search history evolved over the years, reflecting a growing obsession with inflicting mass casualties or targeting a famous individual. The F.B.I. released evidence, including photographs of Crooks' weaponry, which consisted of a matte black Panther Arms AR-15-type semiautomatic rifle and an improvised explosive device found in his vehicle. This evidence supports the profile of Crooks as resembling a mass shooter rather than a politically motivated assassin. Ultimately, the investigation highlights the complexities of understanding motivations behind violent acts, particularly when they do not align with traditional political ideologies. The case raises concerns about the potential for individuals with violent tendencies to target public figures, emphasizing the need for vigilance in monitoring such threats.