Investigation into Shooter's Motive and Background Continues
- Thomas Matthew Crooks reportedly made a threatening post on Steam about an impending attack on former President Donald Trump.
- The post stated, 'July 13 will be my premiere, watch as it unfolds.'
- Authorities are investigating the implications of this statement and the subsequent actions taken.
Authorities have uncovered troubling details regarding the shooter who targeted a Trump rally, as revealed in a recent briefing to senators by the Secret Service and FBI. Investigators found a series of concerning online searches on the shooter's laptop, including inquiries about political figures such as Trump and Biden, as well as the Democratic National Convention. The FBI's Deputy Director Paul Abbate noted that the shooter had an account on an online gaming platform, which featured a profile picture hinting at a significant event on July 13, the day of the rally. Despite these findings, the FBI has yet to establish a clear motive for the attack. While the shooter was identified as a registered Republican who last voted in 2022, he also made a $15 donation to a liberal group in 2021. Authorities discovered a second cellphone belonging to the shooter, containing 27 contacts that are currently under investigation. Notably, the shooter was seen scouting the rally on a bicycle, which he abandoned near the scene of the attack. In a concerning development, the shooter's parents had contacted law enforcement hours before the incident, expressing worry for their son's well-being. It remains unclear what actions, if any, were taken by police following this report. Multiple investigations are now underway, focusing on both the shooter's actions and the response of the Secret Service, which has faced criticism for its failure to adequately protect Trump and attendees at the rally.