The investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, has taken a significant step forward with the empaneling of a grand jury by the Western District of Pennsylvania. This grand jury is now digging into the details surrounding the attack, including the actions and background of the would-be assassin, Thomas Matthew Crooks.
A letter obtained by Human Events and linked to a records request made by attorney Wally Zimolong confirms that the investigation is indeed active and serious. The Community College of Allegheny County denied Zimolong’s request for records on Crooks, citing that these records fall under the scope of a grand jury subpoena. This denial is a clear indication that the grand jury is actively exploring Crooks’ history and connections, potentially seeking to uncover any accomplices or deeper motives behind the attack.
The details surrounding the attack are chilling. Crooks, armed with an AR-style rifle, fired eight shots from the roof of the AGR building, wounding Trump and injuring two rally attendees. One person was killed during the incident. The FBI has revealed that Crooks meticulously planned the attack, even scouting out other campaign events for both Trump and President Biden before fixating on the Butler rally as his target.
The FBI has released new photos of the gun used to shoot Donald Trump during a July rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, as well as the backpack and explosives the shooter had in his car at the rall pic.twitter.com/FWdcWTU1lP
— Alayna Treene (@alaynatreene) August 28, 2024
The FBI’s ongoing investigation has unearthed a disturbing pattern in Crooks’ online behavior. He had been researching explosive devices and showing an interest in antisemitic content, though it’s not yet clear if he personally posted any of this hateful rhetoric. His fascination with Trump-related events, along with his detailed searches about the rally venue, suggests a calculated and premeditated attack.
In response to the attack, the Secret Service has faced intense scrutiny. Several agents from the Pittsburgh field office, which oversees Butler, were placed on leave, and the head of the Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, resigned in the aftermath. The new Acting USSS Director, Ronald Rowe, has admitted to Congress that security lapses occurred, particularly in securing the roof from which Crooks fired.
The Crooks family, now under the spotlight, has retained a high-powered legal team, signaling their preparedness for what could be a long and complex legal battle. Meanwhile, the FBI has released new photos related to the investigation, including images of Crooks’ weapon, improvised explosive devices found in his car, and the air conditioning unit he used to access the roof.
CNN: FBI Releases New Photos from Trump Assassination Attempt pic.twitter.com/SX8vF2DAVS
— Alexandra Datig | Front Page Index 🇺🇸 (@alexdatig) August 28, 2024
As the investigation deepens, the grand jury’s findings could shed more light on the circumstances leading up to this brazen assassination attempt and whether Crooks acted alone or with the support of others.
