Trump to be interviewed by FBI following assassination attempt
Former President Donald Trump has agreed to participate in a victim interview with the FBI regarding the recent assassination attempt on his life, an FBI official confirmed on Monday. This interview will align with standard procedures for crime victims under any circumstances, the official stated.
FBI investigation reveals details about the suspect
The FBI’s investigation has uncovered that the attempted assassin, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was a “highly intelligent” individual with few friends and a growing interest in weapons. His motive remains unclear. The FBI has conducted hundreds of interviews and requested information from numerous companies about Crooks’ online activities, including his gaming accounts. His search history included information about the attempted assassination of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, as well as mass shootings and power plants.
Evidence and suspect’s actions
The investigation revealed that Crooks purchased a ladder before the shooting, but it was not found at the Trump rally. However, a bloodied receipt for the ladder was discovered on his body. Crooks also appeared to have used a drone before the attack, although no recorded footage was found on it. The FBI reported that Crooks fired eight rounds just 25-30 seconds after a local police officer confronted him on a rooftop. The officer was boosted above the roofline by a colleague when Crooks pointed his weapon at the officer and began firing.
Planning and execution of the attack
Crooks meticulously planned the attack ahead of the campaign rally and worked to keep his intentions concealed, an official noted during a briefing. This briefing comes more than two weeks after the July 13 assassination attempt on Trump’s life. FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate stated that the bureau has been working tirelessly on the investigation and felt it was important to provide the American public with updates.
Secret Service director resigns
In the aftermath of the attack, U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned, following a contentious House hearing about the attempt. The Senate is scheduled to hold its own hearing this week with the FBI and Department of Homeland Security.
FBI’s focus on facts
Abbate emphasized that the FBI is committed to uncovering the truth about the attack on Trump, the murder of rallygoer Corey Comperatore, and the injury to others. He clarified that the bureau is focused on collecting facts, not on identifying law enforcement failures from that day.
FBI Director Christopher Wray told Congress last week that there is still some question about whether it was a bullet or shrapnel that struck Trump’s ear during the assassination attempt, adding to conspiracy theories about the incident. FBI Agent Kevin Rojek, who oversees the Pittsburgh office, confirmed on Monday that Trump was struck by a bullet, whether whole or fragmented, echoing the bureau’s statement from Friday.
Encryption challenges
Rojek noted that Crooks made significant efforts to conceal his activities. Another official mentioned that there was no indication Crooks had any mental health treatment or institutionalization. The FBI has faced difficulties accessing some of Crooks’ accounts due to his use of encrypted apps. “Encryption has been a challenge for us here in this investigation,” said FBI official Bobby Wells.
