Last updated on August 29th, 2024 at 05:58 am
Washington, D.C. – Former US President Donald Trump has agreed to a “victim interview” with the FBI following the assassination attempt earlier this month, the FBI announced Monday. Officials provided an update on the investigation into the July 13 shooting and said the motive of the 20-year-old gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks is still unknown.
Suspect Described as a “Loner”
The FBI described Crooks, who was shot dead by a Secret Service sniper after firing eight shots during Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, as a “loner” with no known co-conspirators. Special Agent Kevin Rojek said the interview of Trump would be routine and aimed to get his observations.
Insights into the Investigation
Dozens of people who knew Crooks, including relatives, coworkers, former teachers, and classmates have been interviewed by the FBI. Rojek pointed out such factors as Crooks was very intelligent, attended college, and steadily employed. His only close social network was his immediate family, while his number of friends and acquaintances were few.
Crooks’ parents have said they had no prior knowledge of their son’s intentions, and the FBI at present considers that claim to be credible. FBI Director Christopher Wray, in testimony before Congress, said Crooks had conducted an internet search about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Suspect’s Online Activity
The probe further unraveled that Crooks had looked up online for power plants, mass shootings, improvised explosives, and the attempted assassination of the Slovakian prime minister this year.
Timeline of Incidents
Witnesses had reported seeing crooks on the roof of a building near the incident site and, shortly before 6:00 p.m., began firing upon Trump with an AR-style assault rifle. Injured was Trump, who sustained an injured ear, two rallygoers in serious condition, and one 50-year-old Pennsylvania firefighter who was killed.
A patrol officer took his picture and distributed the image to the SWAT operators and command staff. About 30 minutes later, the SWAT operators observed Crooks taking a range finder and going onto news websites.
At approximately 6:08 p.m., police dashcam video captured Crooks crossing the roof from where he would eventually open fire. A local officer encountered Crooks on the roof at 6:11 p.m., and within minutes, Crooks started firing eight shots before he was taken out by a Secret Service sniper.
Secret Service Director’s Resignation
US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned last week, taking responsibility as the agency failed to stop the assassination attempt.
