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The FBI has seized a van belonging to Thomas Matthew Crooks, the shooter in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, for forensic testing. The investigation continues as authorities seek to uncover the motive behind the weekend attack at a Pennsylvania rally.
Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, opened fire at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. The Secret Service quickly neutralized Crooks, who managed to fire nine shots before being taken down. One bullet grazed Trump’s ear, while one attendee was killed and two others were critically injured.
Explosives were found in Crooks' van and home, turning the quiet suburb of Bethel Park into an active crime scene. The FBI is conducting a thorough search of Crooks' residence, seizing all electronic devices, personal belongings, and potential evidence that might shed light on his motive.
“The FBI is looking for anything that could help them build a profile on Crooks,” a law enforcement source told RadarOnline.com. “They will review his computer files, search history, and personal items to gain insight into his motives.”
In a briefing, FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent Kevin Rojek confirmed the lack of an identified motive and encouraged anyone with information to assist the investigation. “This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” Rojek said. “Anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is encouraged to submit photos or videos online at FBI.gov/butler or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.”
Crooks, a 2022 graduate of Bethel Park High School, was described by classmates as a quiet, intelligent loner with no known extremist views or violent tendencies. “We're all shocked. This is not the Thomas we knew,” one former classmate stated.
Although Crooks had donated to the Democratic Progressive Turnout Project PAC in January 2021, state voting records show he was a registered Republican. The upcoming presidential election would have been his first opportunity to vote.
In his first interview following the attack, Trump praised the Secret Service agents, stating, “They took him out with one shot right between the eyes. They did a fantastic job.”
Crooks' father, Matthew Crooks, expressed his confusion over the incident. “I'm trying to figure out what the hell is going on,” he told CNN, adding that he would wait to speak with law enforcement before commenting further.
As the investigation unfolds, the FBI continues to piece together the events leading up to the shooting and the factors that motivated Crooks to commit the act. The findings will be crucial in understanding the broader implications of this attack and preventing future incidents.
