Six weeks after the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, the FBI has found no definitive motive or ideological leanings behind the attack. The investigation continues, with no evidence of co-conspirators or foreign links.
Ongoing Investigation Yields No Definitive Motive
The FBI remains uncertain about the motives behind the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Despite an extensive investigation into the shooter, Thomas Crooks, no clear ideological affiliation or motive has been determined. FBI Special Agent Kevin Rojek stated that the analysis of Crooks’ online activities provided insights into his mindset, but not a definitive reason for the attack.
Details of the Assassination Attempt
On July 13, Crooks opened fire at Trump during the rally, killing one person in the crowd, injuring two others, and wounding Trump’s ear. The Secret Service quickly neutralized the shooter, preventing further casualties. The FBI has confirmed that Crooks had planned the attack meticulously and had considered other targets before focusing on the Trump rally. However, there are no signs that Crooks was working with others or had any links to foreign entities.
Shooter’s Extensive Online Research
In the months leading up to the attack, Crooks conducted over 60 internet searches related to Trump and Biden, including details about their campaign events and the security measures at the venues. His searches included topics such as the locations of the Democratic and Republican conventions and comparisons to past presidential assassinations. Additionally, Crooks had searched for information on explosives and constructed two homemade devices found in his car at the time of the shooting.
FBI’s Analysis of Crooks’ Activities
The FBI discovered that Crooks flew a drone over the rally site to observe the security arrangements, although the exact purpose of this surveillance remains unclear. Video footage also revealed that Crooks moved across multiple rooftops before carrying out the attack. The FBI continues to investigate, but so far, no clear motive has emerged.
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