A cell phone connected to attempted assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks was located near the FBI's Gallery Place offices in Washington, D.C., prior to the assassination attempt on former President Donald J. Trump.

The Heritage Oversight Project revealed that geo-location data has heightened scrutiny of the FBI and Secret Service’s handling of the Trump shooter's case, as The Blaze reports.

Discovery Of The Phone's Movements

On July 22, the Heritage Oversight Project reported that a cell phone linked to Crooks traveled to Gallery Place, where FBI offices are located, on June 26, 2023. This revelation came just days after Crooks’ failed assassination attempt on Trump on July 13.

The Heritage Oversight Project began their investigation mere hours after the July 13 incident, which took place at a fairground in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Crooks, 20, was killed by a Secret Service counter-sniper after he opened fire on Trump and the crowd at approximately 6:11 p.m. ET. The attack resulted in the death of retired fire chief Corey Comperatore of Sarver, Pennsylvania, and seriously injured David Dutch and James Copenhaver.

Investigation Details And Surveillance

The Oversight Project initiated its investigation on the same night as the shooting. The primary objective was to either supplement or replace federal efforts due to concerns about their transparency and thoroughness.

Investigators tracked cell phones using Crooks’ home and workplace addresses. One such phone, linked to a visitor at Crooks’ workplace, traveled to the Gallery Place complex, pinging multiple times.

Gallery Place houses an array of retail stores, restaurants, and FBI offices. The visit to this location has prompted significant questions regarding the phone's connection to Crooks and potential implications.

Geo-Location Data and Phone Movement

Results from geo-location tracking revealed that the phone associated with Crooks traveled from Bethel Park to Butler on July 4 and July 8, stopping all activity on July 12, just a day before the attempted assassination.

On the day of the shooting, Crooks bought a 5.5-foot double ladder at a Home Depot in Butler. However, investigators do not believe he used the ladder for the attack. Further data indicated Crooks likely surveilled the Butler rally site before the July 13 attempt, adding a layer of premeditation to his actions.

Multiple Phones Linked to Crooks

Another phone associated with Crooks showed travel patterns between Pittsburgh, Boston, and Plymouth Harbor, Massachusetts, between March 1 and March 4. Additionally, there was a visit to Allegheny Arms & Gun Works by a phone linked to Crooks on Aug. 30, 2023.

Phones connected to Crooks’ residences and workplaces frequented various facilities and businesses in Bethel Park, offering a broader picture of Crooks’ movements and interactions.

Public And Congressional Reactions

Due to the tensions surrounding federal law enforcement practices, the Oversight Project has opted not to share further information with the congressional task force. Director Mike Howell announced this decision, citing concerns over connections with the FBI and other entities.

Significant public debate has ensued, questioning how Crooks managed to access the location and target Trump.

During a hearing on July 22, U.S. House Representatives expressed dissatisfaction with the Secret Service's handling of the investigation. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle faced criticisms, deflecting numerous questions and referring inquiries to the FBI, resulting in heightened frustration among committee members.

Criticism Of Secret Service Management

Rep. Lauren Boebert harshly criticized the evasion tactic, pointing out the importance of answering congressional hearings and providing transparency. The dissatisfaction echoed broadly across the committee.

Rep. Russell Fry called for Cheatle’s resignation or her dismissal by President Biden, highlighting a broader issue with accountability within federal law enforcement agencies.

Rep. Nancy Mace’s outright dismissal of Cheatle’s responses added to the tense atmosphere, reflecting the urgent call for comprehensive answers and reforms.

Conclusion

The report by the Heritage Oversight Project linking a phone associated with Thomas Matthew Crooks to the FBI’s Gallery Place offices prior to his assassination attempt on Donald J. Trump has led to intense scrutiny of federal investigative practices.

This incident underscores significant gaps in federal security and transparency, highlighted in a congressional hearing demanding better accountability from the Secret Service. The Oversight Project continues its independent investigation amidst growing public and legislative dissatisfaction.