Thomas Crooks, the man who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump, had been planning an attack for months before the July 13 incident in Butler, Pennsylvania, according to new information released by the FBI.

As reported by Daily Mail, the bureau disclosed that Crooks had researched both Trump and President Joe Biden's events extensively, viewing the Butler rally as a "target of opportunity."

The FBI's update sheds light on the extent of Crooks' preparation, including his possession of homemade bombs and an AR-style rifle.

Officials emphasized that despite a thorough investigation, including over 1,000 interviews conducted in the past six weeks, they have not been able to definitively establish Crooks' motive or any political leanings.

Extensive Research And Planning Revealed

The FBI's investigation uncovered that Crooks had conducted more than 60 searches for information about Trump and Biden in the months before the attack. His research extended to exploring dates for Republican and Democratic party conventions, indicating a broader interest in political gatherings.

Crooks' actions on the day of the rally have also been scrutinized. The FBI released images showing the air conditioning unit he used to access the roof from which he fired at Trump, despite having been flagged as suspicious by law enforcement earlier.

The bureau also provided details about the weapon used in the attack: a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle manufactured by DPMS Panther Arms, fitted with specialized optics and an extendible stock.

No Evidence Of Broader Conspiracy

Despite speculation, the FBI stated that there is no evidence suggesting Crooks was part of a larger conspiracy or backed by any foreign entity.

They emphasized that their investigation found no indication of a second shooter involved in the attack.

This information contradicts theories that have circulated about potential collaborators or outside influence on Crooks' actions. The bureau's statement aims to quell rumors and provide a clearer picture of the incident based on their extensive investigation.

However, the FBI noted that they are still unable to fully determine Crooks' motive, stating that their investigation found no clear right-wing or left-wing ideology driving his actions.

Family Under Scrutiny As Investigation Continues

The investigation also turned to Crooks' family, particularly his parents. The FBI has indicated that they still have questions regarding how much Crooks' parents knew about his plans before the attack.

This scrutiny has led to Crooks' father, Matthew Crooks, hiring a team of attorneys. The family's choice of legal representation, Quinn Logue, a Pittsburgh-based firm specializing in both criminal defense and civil suits, suggests they may be preparing for potential criminal charges or civil action from victims' families.

A family member, speaking anonymously, revealed that Matthew Crooks is known to be a gun enthusiast who has sold firearms to relatives in the past. This information adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation.

Autopsy Results And Ongoing Questions

The FBI released details from Crooks' autopsy and toxicology report, confirming that he was killed by a single shot to the head from Secret Service counter-snipers. The report also indicated negative results for alcohol and drug abuse in Crooks' system at the time of the incident.

These findings provide some clarity on the immediate circumstances of Crooks' death but leave many questions unanswered about his motivations and the events leading up to the attack.

The FBI's ongoing investigation and the involvement of high-profile attorneys suggest that this case is far from closed, with potential legal and political ramifications still to unfold.

Conclusion

The FBI's latest revelations about Thomas Crooks' months-long planning and extensive research into political events have shed new light on the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. While the investigation has ruled out a broader conspiracy or foreign involvement, questions remain about Crooks' motives and his family's potential knowledge of his plans. The case continues to evolve, with implications for national security, political discourse, and gun control debates likely to persist in the coming months.