The FBI has announced that it has accessed the phone of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old suspect who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. This development comes as the agency continues to investigate the shooting that left Trump and two other rally attendees injured and claimed the life of 50-year-old Corey Comperatore.
In a statement released on Monday, the FBI confirmed that its technical specialists had gained access to Crooks’ phone and were analyzing its contents. “FBI technical specialists successfully gained access to Thomas Matthew Crooks’ phone, and they continue to analyze his electronic devices,” the bureau stated. The search of Crooks’ home and vehicle has been completed as well.
The investigation has involved nearly 100 interviews with law enforcement personnel, rally attendees, and other witnesses. “The FBI has received hundreds of digital media tips which include photos and videos taken at the scene, and we continue to review incoming tips,” the statement added. The FBI is also providing victim services to those affected by the shooting.
Despite the FBI’s progress, some Republicans have raised concerns about the bureau’s ability to conduct an unbiased investigation. Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX) highlighted his constituents’ lack of trust in the FBI, saying, “My constituents are deeply concerned with the FBI conducting the sole investigation into the attempted assassination of President Trump. They don’t have faith in the current FBI leadership to get to the truth given how they have targeted President Trump with political witch hunt after witch hunt at the behest of Joe Biden.”
The FBI has been under scrutiny for its handling of other significant cases, including the shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville. In that case, the bureau faced criticism for allegedly suppressing the writings of the transgender-identifying shooter who killed six people at the school.
Additionally, Republican lawmakers are questioning the Secret Service’s security measures at the rally. They have called on Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to provide documents detailing the security protocols implemented before the event. Lawmakers are particularly concerned about how Crooks managed to position himself on a rooftop so close to Trump during the rally.
As the investigation continues, the FBI is focused on analyzing the digital evidence and gathering more information to understand Crooks’ motives and actions. The findings from the FBI’s investigation will be critical in addressing security weaknesses and preventing similar incidents in the future.
