Recent reporting has brought additional information about Thomas Matthew Crooks and the events surrounding his attempted assassination of Donald Trump in July 2024. The case continues to be the subject of law enforcement review, with attention focused on Crooks’ digital activity, personal background, and the circumstances of the attack.
Background on the Attack
Thomas Crooks, age 20 at the time, carried out an attack on then-former President Donald Trump on July 13, 2024, at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. During the attack, Crooks fired shots from a rooftop position. One bystander was killed, several others were injured, and Crooks was killed by a Secret Service counter-sniper.
Investigations confirm that Crooks acted alone. He had positioned himself on the rooftop for several minutes before opening fire. Despite the danger posed, the Secret Service intervened quickly, preventing further casualties among high-profile targets and rally attendees.
Law Enforcement Findings
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has reviewed Crooks’ personal history, communications, and online presence. Their findings indicate:
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Crooks’ motive remains unresolved. Authorities have found no evidence of coordination with any organized group or foreign entity.
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Investigators examined encrypted communications, social media activity, digital devices, and online searches. While these revealed a range of interests and communications, no conclusive political or ideological motive has been determined.
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Crooks’ actions are considered an isolated act, with no verified operational connection to other individuals or organizations.
Digital Footprint
Reporting has highlighted Crooks’ substantial online presence, which included multiple accounts across social media, art communities, and messaging platforms. Verified findings from investigations indicate:
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Crooks reportedly maintained more than a dozen online accounts.
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Several accounts were linked to DeviantArt, a major art-sharing platform, where he engaged with other users and shared artwork.
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Crooks identified with they/them pronouns and participated in the furry subculture, a community centered on anthropomorphized animal characters.
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Some posts reportedly contained references to violence and weapons, though the FBI has not confirmed that all content was authored by Crooks or directly tied to the attack.
Online Activity and Behavior
Verified aspects of Crooks’ online activity include:
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A shift in attitude from initially supportive of Trump to openly hostile toward him and his supporters.
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Posts containing imagery and text involving weapons or violent themes.
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Engagement in online communities reflecting personal interests, subcultural identity, and artistic expression.
Law enforcement emphasizes that while some content indicates violent fascination, these materials do not provide a confirmed motive for the assassination attempt.
Connections and Comparisons
Some media reporting has noted parallels between Crooks and Tyler Robinson, who faces charges in an unrelated case involving the death of Charlie Kirk. Reports mention similarities in online subculture interests, but investigators have not confirmed any direct connection or operational collaboration between Crooks and Robinson.
Mental Health Considerations
Authorities note that Crooks may have experienced mental health challenges. Analysts suggest that his online engagement and behavior could reflect personal struggles. However, there is no verified evidence linking his mental health history to a specific motive for the attack. Investigators continue to classify the attack as an isolated act.
Role of Peter Doocy’s Reporting
Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy has reported on Crooks’ case, focusing on elements of Crooks’ online activity and potential connections. Doocy relayed that posts attributed to Crooks included violent content, interest in weapons, and evolving attitudes toward Trump.
It is important to note that these statements represent Doocy’s reporting and interpretation of the case. While they highlight aspects of Crooks’ online presence that investigators have reviewed, they do not constitute independently verified evidence of motive or coordination. The inclusion of Doocy’s reporting provides context on media coverage without asserting claims as fact.
Official Statements
Law enforcement agencies confirm the following:
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The FBI conducted extensive investigations, including interviews, examination of devices, and analysis of digital content.
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There is no evidence Crooks coordinated with external groups.
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The attack was conducted independently by Crooks.
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Secret Service personnel effectively neutralized the threat, preventing additional casualties.
Misinterpretation and Speculation
Some reporting and social media commentary has included unverified claims, conspiratorial interpretations, and speculative connections. Verified information focuses strictly on:
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The attack and its immediate consequences.
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Law enforcement investigations and findings.
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Crooks’ digital footprint and activity.
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Ongoing review of mental health and personal background.
All other assertions, including alleged conspiracies or direct links to other individuals, remain unverified.
Implications of Findings
Crooks’ digital footprint illustrates the challenges faced by investigators in assessing threats in the digital era. Multiple accounts, engagement in various subcultures, and evolving attitudes complicate threat assessment.
Authorities have emphasized that the case demonstrates the need to distinguish between personal interest, cultural participation, and credible threats. Verified evidence confirms that the assassination attempt was conducted independently by Crooks.
Ongoing Investigations
Law enforcement continues to examine Crooks’ digital activity, communications, and personal history for additional insights into the attack. Agencies are reviewing whether there were missed warning signs and seeking lessons for future preventive measures.
Officials continue to stress reliance on verified evidence, avoiding speculation or political interpretation. Public reporting may highlight patterns or potential risks, but official findings confirm that Crooks’ actions were isolated.
Summary of Verified Facts
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Thomas Crooks attempted to assassinate Donald Trump on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania.
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Crooks fired from a rooftop; one bystander was killed, several others injured; Crooks was killed by the Secret Service.
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The FBI found no confirmed motive or external coordination.
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Crooks maintained multiple online accounts and participated in communities such as DeviantArt and the furry subculture.
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He identified with they/them pronouns in online spaces.
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Some online posts included references to violence and weapons.
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No verified connection exists between Crooks and Tyler Robinson beyond subcultural similarities.
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Law enforcement concludes the attack was isolated.
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Investigations continue regarding Crooks’ digital footprint and personal history.
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Media coverage, including reporting by Peter Doocy, provides context but does not constitute independent verification of motive or coordination.
Conclusion
The case of Thomas Crooks highlights the complexity of modern threat assessment. Verified information confirms that the assassination attempt was an isolated act carried out by Crooks alone. Investigators continue to review his online activity and personal background to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Media reporting, including coverage by Peter Doocy, adds perspective on Crooks’ digital presence but does not substitute for verified law enforcement findings. Authorities maintain that all conclusions are based on confirmed evidence, emphasizing caution in public interpretation.
This case underscores the importance of separating confirmed facts from speculation and commentary, ensuring public understanding is guided by evidence rather than conjecture.
James Jenkins is a celebrated Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose work has reshaped the way readers think about social justice and human rights in America. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, James grew up in a community that instilled in him both resilience and a strong sense of responsibility toward others. After studying political science and creative writing at Howard University, he worked as a journalist covering civil rights issues before dedicating himself fully to fiction. His novels are known for their sharp, empathetic portraits of marginalized communities and for weaving personal stories with broader political realities. Jenkins’s breakout novel, Shadows of Freedom, won national acclaim for its unflinching look at systemic inequality, while his more recent works explore themes of identity, resilience, and the fight for dignity in the face of oppression. Beyond his novels, James is an active public speaker, lecturing at universities and participating in nonprofit initiatives that support literacy and community empowerment. He believes that storytelling is a way to preserve history and inspire change. When not writing, James enjoys jazz music, mentoring young writers, and traveling with his family to explore cultures and stories around the world.
