Thomas Matthew Crooks, the shooter in the failed assassination attempt against Donald Trump, posted a message on the popular gaming platform Steam before the attack, stating, “July 13 will be my premiere. Watch how it unfolds.”
Crooks conducted research into Trump’s movements, as well as gathering information about President Biden and even a member of the British royal family. These findings were reported by both ABC News and CNN.
The Shooter’s Plans Against Donald Trump
FBI investigators confirmed that Crooks visited Trump’s rally site in Pennsylvania at least twice. Additionally, his cell phone contained images of Trump and President Joe Biden. Investigations also revealed that his search history included dates of the Democratic National Convention and future Trump events.
However, the motive behind the 20-year-old’s decision to attack the former president remains a major unknown for the Secret Service. There is currently no evidence linking him to any terrorist organization, leaving authorities puzzled by his motive.
An important detail emerged from Crooks’ internet searches: he frequently reviewed articles about major depressive disorder. Officials investigating the assassination attempt informed lawmakers that 20 minutes passed between Secret Service snipers first spotting Crooks on a roof and the first shots being fired.
The FBI reported that snipers observed the suspect on the roof of a building outside the security zone at Saturday’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, at 5:52 p.m. The shooting occurred 20 minutes later.
