FBI Investigates Assassination Attempt on Trump by Thomas Crooks

In a recent testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, FBI Director Christopher Wray revealed that Thomas Matthew Crooks became increasingly fixated on former President Donald Trump just a week prior to his assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. Wray noted that Crooks had conducted online searches related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, indicating a troubling pattern of behavior. The FBI is currently analyzing multiple digital devices linked to Crooks to gather further insights into his motives. Crooks was observed visiting the rally site a week before the incident and returned on the day of the event, where he reportedly spent approximately 17 minutes in the vicinity. He also flew a drone near the venue, maintaining a distance of about 200 yards from the stage. Wray characterized Crooks as a "loner," suggesting that his limited social connections may have contributed to his actions. The FBI has conducted over 400 interviews in connection with the case, with plans for many more. In addition to discussing the assassination attempt, Wray addressed broader security concerns, including threats from the southern U.S. border. He emphasized that even a small number of foreign terrorists could pose significant risks. Wray also highlighted recent efforts to counteract foreign influence operations, specifically mentioning a Russian bot farm designed to manipulate social media narratives ahead of elections. The FBI remains vigilant in addressing these multifaceted threats to national security.