Joe Manchin is considering challenging Kamala Harris for the Democrat Presidential nomination.
Confirmed: Manchin is considering re-registering as a Democrat to run against Kamala Harris for the presidential nomination.
— Sam Stein (@samstein) July 21, 2024
Collin Rugg has reported that U.S. officials are suggesting Thomas Crooks may have been aiming to commit a mass casualty event, despite video evidence indicating he was specifically targeting former President Trump. According to CNN, investigators are proposing a theory that Crooks intended to carry out a mass shooting but chose the Trump event as it presented a convenient opportunity. CNN’s report indicates that this theory is based on the timing and content of Crooks’ online searches.
NEW: U.S. officials are trying to claim that Thomas Crooks may have been attempting to commit a mass casualty event despite video evidence showing he was clearly targeting Trump.
According to CNN, investigators are “theorizing” that Crooks wanted a mass casualty event but ended… pic.twitter.com/vglW4snwjg
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 20, 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.
