The FBI has revealed that Thomas Crooks, the shooter who targeted Donald Trump during a rally, had previously scoped out a member of the Royal Family as a potential target. Crooks, a 20-year-old, was shot and killed by the Secret Service seconds after he fired at Trump in Pennsylvania, narrowly missing the former president and killing one of his supporters.
🚨 The FBI has said Thomas Crooks, the individual who tried to assassinate former US President Donald Trump, searched online for a number of high-profile figures, including an unnamed member of the British Royal Family, as he ‘scoped out’ a target to assassinate. pic.twitter.com/vO5rwHTSID
— The Crown Chronicles (@crownchronicles) July 18, 2024
Investigators discovered that Crooks had researched various high-profile targets, including FBI Director Christopher Wray and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. His devices also contained images of Joe Biden and Trump, as well as details about upcoming events like the Democratic National Convention.
Crooks had posted on the gaming network Steam, saying, “July 13 will be my premiere, watch as it unfolds.” Despite extensive investigations, including examining his phone, computer, and interviewing over 100 people, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear.
Crooks’ political affiliations were ambiguous. He was registered as a Republican in Pennsylvania but had donated to a progressive political action committee. This has led to varied and speculative reactions from both political sides, with some blaming partisan rhetoric or political figures for the attack.
The day before the shooting, Crooks had practiced at a rifle range and purchased ammunition for his rifle. He then drove alone to the rally site in Butler, Pennsylvania. Access to his home remains restricted by police, preventing reporters from investigating further.
