The FBI has released new details surrounding the events leading up to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13.

The attacker, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, was reportedly involved in a meticulously planned operation that ultimately left one man dead, and while the motive behind his actions remains unclear, his efforts to plan and execute the attack have come to light through extensive investigative work, as Fox News reports.

Crooks’ planning was extensive, with the FBI uncovering that he made over 60 searches related to President Joe Biden and former President Trump in the month leading up to the attack. These searches included information on campaign schedules and events, particularly those in western Pennsylvania. According to FBI reports, Crooks searched for Trump’s specific appearances in Pennsylvania, particularly focusing on the event in Butler, where the assassination attempt occurred.

In late September 2023, Crooks began to narrow his focus on Trump’s campaign activities in Pennsylvania. By July 4, Crooks was searching for detailed information about the Butler event, including specific details about the venue and security arrangements. These searches included terms like “Butler Farm Show podium” and “Where will Trump speak from at Butler Farm Show,” indicating a high level of preparation for the attack.

Crooks Registered for Rally Before Attack

Crooks took his planning a step further by registering for the rally on the day of the attack. This registration allowed him to gain access to more specific information about the event, which he further researched online. On July 5, just days before the attack, Crooks searched for details about the Democratic National Convention (DNC) and the Republican National Convention (RNC), possibly in an effort to assess other potential targets.

On the day of the rally, Crooks was seen walking outside the event perimeter at 4:26 p.m. His activities were not limited to ground surveillance; Crooks also employed a drone to conduct an aerial assessment of the rally’s security.

The drone was flown for 11 minutes between 3:51 p.m. and 4:02 p.m., covering key areas around the rally site. Although the exact intent behind the drone’s flight path remains unknown, the FBI has suggested that it was likely used to evaluate security measures.

At 6:05 p.m., Crooks was captured on video climbing the American Glass Research building near the rally site. Over the next three minutes, he moved across rooftops, positioning himself for the attack.

The FBI’s analysis showed that Crooks spent approximately six minutes on the roof before opening fire, resulting in the death of one individual. He was neutralized by law enforcement between 6:05 p.m. and 6:11 p.m., bringing the incident to a close.

FBI Still Investigating Crooks’ Motive

Despite the wealth of information gathered about Crooks’ actions leading up to the attack, the FBI has yet to determine a definitive motive. Kevin Rojek, an FBI spokesperson, emphasized that Crooks had no identifiable political ideology driving his actions.

“He became hyper-focused on Trump’s rally, but there was no clear political motive,” Rojek stated. This lack of an evident motive complicates the investigation, leaving law enforcement to speculate on what drove Crooks to carry out such a meticulously planned attack.

The FBI’s ongoing investigation has also not revealed any co-conspirators involved in the attack. Crooks’ actions appear to be those of a lone actor, but the investigation continues as authorities seek to uncover any potential links or influences that may have contributed to his behavior. “It was a sustained detailed effort to plan an attack on some event, meaning he looked at any number of events or targets,” Rojek explained.

As part of the investigation, the FBI has analyzed the drone footage and flight path to better understand Crooks’ strategy. However, Rojek acknowledged that the precise motivation behind the drone’s use might never be fully understood.

“We can only do that based on our assessment of the flight path and what we're able to determine through our analysis by the lab,” Rojek noted.

Conclusion: Crooks’ Plan and the Investigation

The attempted assassination of former President Trump at the July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has revealed a deeply unsettling level of planning by Thomas Matthew Crooks.

Despite the extensive searches, registration for the rally, and use of a drone, the FBI has yet to uncover a clear motive for the attack.

The investigation continues, focusing on piecing together the events leading up to the shooting and understanding Crooks’ state of mind during the planning stages.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats faced by public figures and the critical importance of security at public events.