The FBI has revealed that the search history of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old gunman who attempted to assassinate former President Trump at a rally outside Pittsburgh, includes photos of Trump and President Biden, as well as other individuals. Crooks, who was killed after opening fire at the campaign event, had searched dates of Trump’s appearances and the upcoming Democratic National Convention, according to FBI officials.
The FBI disclosed the information in private briefings to lawmakers and the head of the Secret Service, providing insight into Crooks’ thought process ahead of the shooting, which grazed the former president’s ear. Despite the search history revealing no clear motive, officials have not found any evidence of co-conspirators or connections to foreign activity.
Crooks, a registered Republican from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, had no criminal history or outward political beliefs. However, he did search for “major depressive disorder” and received multiple packages over the last couple of months, including several marked “hazardous material.” Investigators found three explosive devices connected to him, including one in his home and two in his car parked near Trump’s rally.
The search history also revealed that Crooks was interested in powerful individuals, searching for FBI Director Christopher Wray, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and a member of the British royal family. Despite this, FBI officials noted that it was “notable” that Crooks’ searches did not reveal any political or ideological motivation, as most individuals who commit similar acts can be traced back to a political or ideological belief.
CNN reported that an official briefed on the matter suggested that Crooks wanted to carry out a mass shooting and the location and timing of the Trump rally was the best opportunity. Investigators believe Crooks visited the rally location a week before it was held and again that morning before the event began, retrieving his father’s AR-15 and returning to carry out the shooting.
The Secret Service is facing scrutiny over the incident, with calls mounting for Director Kimberly Cheatle to step down. Investigations into the shooting are ongoing.
