The FBI has issued a direct and unusually forceful response to new allegations from commentator Tucker Carlson regarding Thomas Crooks, the 20-year-old gunman who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump during a 2024 campaign rally. The dispute centers on whether the FBI ever claimed that Crooks had “no online footprint,” a statement Carlson says the bureau made and concealed — and that he now claims to disprove through newly released footage and digital records.
The bureau’s rebuttal marks the most public pushback it has delivered in months regarding the Crooks investigation, reviving questions, speculation, and public scrutiny surrounding the 2024 attack that shocked the nation.
A Rare Direct Response From the FBI
On Friday, the FBI’s “Rapid Response” account on X — a newly created official bureau channel — issued a blunt reply to Carlson’s claims:
“This FBI has never said Thomas Crooks had no online footprint. Ever.”
The comment directly contradicted Carlson’s public allegation that the bureau falsely told the media that Crooks had “no digital presence.” Carlson had warned that he possessed evidence proving the FBI wrong, promising to release it publicly.
The rare public exchange quickly gained traction online, drawing millions of views and sparking intense debate about what the FBI actually said in the aftermath of the assassination attempt — and what evidence was available at the time.
https://twitter.com/bennyjohnson/status/1989426976239882527
Carlson Releases New Video Said to Come From Crooks’ Google Drive
At 8:00 a.m. ET Friday morning, Carlson posted a 35-minute video on X. In it, he claimed to have obtained footage and digital data belonging to Crooks. The material, he said, demonstrated the gunman had a “robust online presence” that contradicts what Carlson alleges the FBI previously asserted.
Among the items Carlson showcased:
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A clip said to be from Crooks’ Google Drive showing him dry-firing a weapon in a room with paper targets on the wall
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Screenshots of purported YouTube comments tied to Crooks
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A list of accounts allegedly connected to Crooks’ phone number, including:
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Gmail
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Two additional email accounts
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Snapchat
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Venmo
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PayPal
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Zelle
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Discord
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Google Play
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Quizlet
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Chess.com
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Quora
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Carlson argued that these accounts collectively demonstrate that Crooks’ digital footprint was extensive, not nonexistent. He claimed the FBI’s earlier stance was not only misleading but an attempt to obscure crucial details about the shooter’s background.
https://twitter.com/TCNetwork/status/1989463984383426959
FBI Says Carlson Is Misrepresenting the Facts
The FBI strongly denies ever claiming Crooks had “no online footprint.” The Rapid Response account added context by emphasizing that:
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The new X account was created in November 2025
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The current bureau leadership is not the same leadership under the Biden administration
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Not all information from 2024 statements reflects the bureau’s position today
The account, which is followed by FBI Director Kash Patel and multiple national reporters, appears to be part of a new transparency initiative under the Trump administration.
Online users circulated a screenshot of what appeared to be a Community Note added to the FBI’s reply, but the note was later removed. The screenshot referenced remarks from former FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate in 2024 — statements that, while related to the investigation, did not explicitly match Carlson’s characterization.
Limited Information Still Public About Crooks
More than a year after the July 2024 attack, significant details about Crooks remain sealed or publicly undisclosed.
What is known:
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Crooks used an AR-15-style rifle
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He fired eight rounds from a rooftop at Trump’s Butler, Pennsylvania rally
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One spectator was killed
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Two others were injured
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A Secret Service counter-sniper struck and killed Crooks seconds later
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The attack resulted in major scrutiny of the Secret Service
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Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned
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An independent review said the agency needed “fundamental reform”
Despite ongoing public interest, investigators have not released a comprehensive profile of Crooks or a complete accounting of his digital history. That vacuum has led to widespread speculation and fueled debates like the one now unfolding between Carlson and the FBI.
Carlson Says the Question Is “Why?”
In a post teasing his video, Carlson wrote:
“The FBI told us Thomas Crooks tried to kill Donald Trump last summer but somehow had no online footprint. The FBI lied, and we can prove it.”
He added:
“The question is why?”
Carlson did not specify who at the FBI allegedly made the claim or in what context, leaving ambiguity about whether he was referring to official statements, off-record briefings, or media characterizations of FBI sources.
What the FBI Actually Said After the 2024 Attack
Public reporting from 2024 shows that officials indicated Crooks had limited public online activity, but terminology varied widely across outlets:
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Some media described Crooks as having “no significant online presence.”
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Others reported he had “minimal social media traces.”
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Some commentary suggested Crooks did not post political views publicly.
None of these statements appear to definitively match the precise claim Carlson attributes to the FBI — that the bureau asserted Crooks had “no online footprint” whatsoever.
This nuance is at the heart of the FBI’s rebuttal.
The New FBI Account Creates Confusion
The Rapid Response account’s phrasing — “This FBI has never said…” — raised questions among users.
Some interpreted the distinction as indicating:
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A shift in leadership
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A shift in communication strategy
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A desire to distance the current bureau from statements made under previous leadership
While the account is official, it is only days old and has not yet established a detailed record of communication. That has contributed to questions and debate among observers who are still evaluating the account’s role and purpose.
Political and Public Fallout Continues
The battle between Carlson and the FBI comes at a politically sensitive moment as:
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The Trump administration pushes for broader reforms to federal law enforcement
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Congress continues reviewing the failures that led to the 2024 shooting
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Public trust in federal agencies remains deeply polarized
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Information about Crooks remains incomplete, creating room for speculation
The dispute has already gone viral on social media, with competing narratives emerging among conservative commentators, liberal activists, and institutional defenders.
What Happens Next
For now, the FBI has not announced any further clarification regarding Crooks’ online activity, and Carlson says he may release more material. Additional documents or statements — whether from investigators, congressional committees, or the Secret Service — could shed light on the unresolved questions.
The only certainty is that the debate shows no signs of fading. With the 2024 assassination attempt still a defining moment in modern political history, any new allegation or counter-statement will continue to draw sharp attention.
As Carlson and the FBI exchange competing narratives, the public remains divided — and a full accounting of Crooks’ digital presence has yet to be officially released.
Sarah Mitchell is a bestselling novelist recognized for her insightful and emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah grew up in a family of teachers who nurtured her curiosity and love for storytelling. She studied psychology at Stanford University, where she became fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior—an interest that would later shape her writing career. Sarah’s novels are praised for their nuanced characters, intricate plots, and ability to capture the subtle tensions that define love, friendship, and family ties. Her breakthrough novel, The Spaces Between Us, became an instant bestseller, lauded for its honest portrayal of strained family relationships and the fragile bonds that hold people together. Since then, she has published several works that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Outside of her writing career, Sarah is passionate about mental health advocacy and often partners with organizations to promote awareness and support for those struggling with emotional well-being. Her personal life is quieter—she enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains, practicing yoga, and spending time with close friends. With each new book, Sarah Mitchell cements her reputation as a writer who illuminates the beauty and struggles of human connection.
