Former US President and Republican presidential contender Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with the FBI for a victim interview regarding an attempted assassination during a campaign rally. Trump sustained a minor injury to his right ear after a shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired eight rounds at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. Crooks was neutralized by the Secret Service moments later.
During a press call, the FBI disclosed that Crooks, a “loner” with minimal social interactions beyond his family, had conducted comprehensive searches on mass shootings and political assassinations, including inquiries about the distance between Lee Harvey Oswald and President Kennedy during his assassination. Crooks legally acquired the firearm used in the attack from his father.
The agency also revealed Crooks’ extensive preparations, including flying a drone near the event and carrying explosive devices both in his car and bedroom. Despite the FBI’s thorough investigation, the shooter’s motive remains unclear.
In response, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries have formed a bipartisan panel to investigate the incident. The task force comprises seven Republicans and six Democrats and is led by Chairman Mike Kelly and Ranking Member Jason Crow.
The FBI’s Pittsburgh special agent in charge clarified that Trump had indeed been struck by a bullet or fragments during the attack, contradicting earlier uncertainty from FBI Director Christopher Wray.
Further investigation revealed Crooks’ strategic ascent to the rooftop near the rally stage by climbing HVAC equipment and pipes. The FBI continues to piece together the events leading up to the shooting to gain a clearer understanding of Crooks’ actions and motivations.
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Original Story https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/29/trump-victim-interview-fbi-shooters-motive.html
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