A recent analysis has revealed that an online account believed to belong to the shooter in the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump was fake, a federal law enforcement official told CBS News on July 18. Initially, it was thought that the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, had posted a message on an online gaming platform stating, “July 13 will be my premiere.” However, further investigation determined this account was not genuine.
The investigation into the motive behind the shooting continues. The 20-year-old gunman from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, opened fire from a rooftop near a Trump rally, injuring Trump in the right ear. The attack also resulted in the death of one attendee, Corey Comperatore, 50, and injuries to two others, James Copenhaver, 74, and David Dutch, 57.
Secret Service and FBI privately briefed Congress on a social media profile that supposedly belonged to Thomas Matthew Crooks but which is now known to be a hoax.
All around bang up job by federal law enforcement! pic.twitter.com/JampUyu2aV
— Ken Klippenstein 📎 (@kenklippenstein) July 18, 2024
Law enforcement sources have disclosed that Crooks conducted online searches for images of Trump and President Biden prior to the attack. He also searched for details about Trump’s public appearances, the Democratic National Convention, and other figures, including members of the British royal family. Crooks had visited the rally site at least once before the shooting took place.
Additionally, the shooter searched for information about FBI Director Christopher Wray, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and major depression disorders. These searches were conducted using two cell phones found in his possession. Despite extensive investigations, including over 200 interviews and the review of more than 14,000 images, investigators have still not yet identified a clear motive, ideology, or set of political views that might have driven the shooting.
A theme I explore a lot on my news letter is how the national security community is a lot less like Jason Bourne and a lot more like Burn After Readinghttps://t.co/SJLBrjYbbg
— Ken Klippenstein 📎 (@kenklippenstein) July 18, 2024
FBI Director Christopher Wray informed Congress on Wednesday that the investigation is ongoing, with significant efforts being made to understand the shooter’s actions and motivations. The findings thus far highlight the complexities involved in uncovering the reasons behind such an attack, underscoring the challenges faced by law enforcement in piecing together the suspect’s intentions and planning.
