BUTLER, Penn. – A 20-year-old suspect who attempted to assassinate former President Trump during a July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, engaged in a “carefully planned” operation, according to the FBI’s announcement on Monday.
“We believe the individual made extensive efforts to mask his actions,” FBI officials stated during a conference call.
The FBI disclosed that Crooks meticulously prepared for the Trump rally, which ended in one fatality and three injuries, including that of the former president.
His detailed planning involved scouting the rally location at the Butler County Fair Grounds a week before the incident.
Authorities reported that Crooks visited a shooting range the day before the assault to practice with the very firearm utilized in the shooting.
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Thomas Matthew Crooks is accused of being the shooter in the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, July 13, 2024. (Obtained by Fox News Digital)
The FBI also revealed that Crooks’ father, Matthew Brian Crooks, legally transferred a DPMS AR-15-style firearm with a collapsible stock to him—the same firearm used in the attack.
This weapon was purchased legally by the suspect’s father in 2013, according to the FBI.
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The agency indicated that Crooks also stockpiled firearms and components to manufacture explosive devices.
In the spring of 2023, more than a year before the shooting, Crooks allegedly made 25 gun purchases using online pseudonyms.
An evidence photo showing a cell phone and transmitting device discovered with Thomas Crooks after his assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, July 13, 2024. (Provided by Senator Chuck Grassley)
The parents of Thomas Crooks, Matthew and Mary Crooks, return home to Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Mary Crooks has not been seen publicly since her son attempted to assassinate former President Trump on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
In early 2024, the FBI revealed that Crooks had made six purchases of chemical precursors relating to materials for creating explosive devices.
According to his parents, Crooks had a strong passion for science and continuously conducted experiments; thus, they didn’t pay much attention as packages began to accumulate at their home in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.
Law enforcement officials stand over the lifeless body of would-be Trump assassin, Thomas Crooks, on Saturday, July 13, 2024. (Todd the Driller)
Kevin Rojek, the FBI Special Agent overseeing the Pittsburgh field office, indicated that investigations into Crooks’ motive are ongoing, involving over 450 interviews and an examination of more than 2,100 public tips.
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The agency has also requested information from 86 companies associated with Crooks, though they did not disclose the specifics of those requests.
A map outlining the areas of interest related to the investigation of Thomas Crooks’ assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, July 13, 2024. (Provided by Senator Chuck Grassley)
The FBI characterized Crooks as “highly intelligent, a college attendee, and consistently employed.” They noted he appeared to be a recluse.
Authorities reported no evidence suggesting Crooks had received mental health treatment or medications.
In the weeks following the shooting, the Butler Fair Grounds were getting ready for their annual event, the Big Butler Fair. (Sarah Rumpf-Whitten/Fox News Digital)
Nearly three weeks after the incident that shook the community in Western Pennsylvania, the fairgrounds began their preparations for the annual Big Butler Fair.
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No FBI agents were present at the scene; however, Fox News Digital observed vendors setting up for the fair event, which is open to participants.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the FBI for further comment.
