Investigators have unearthed unsettling details about Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old who attempted to assassinate President Trump at a political rally. As if the plot needed any more spice, they have uncovered what it was that Crooks last searched for on his phone. Crooks’ final online search before the attempt was for p*rn*graphy.
Crooks had meticulously scouted the rally location twice, and his digital footprint reveals a disturbing level of preparation. His encrypted Samsung phone, initially impenetrable by the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office, was cracked open by agents at Quantico, revealing searches for both Trump and Biden events, Democratic National Convention dates, and, bizarrely, p*rn*graphy.
You might be wondering, “Why is the FBI interested in his digital habits?” Well, understanding Crooks’ actions leading up to the event is crucial to piecing together his motive, or lack thereof, since it remains as clear as mud. His phone, recovered from his body along with four rifle magazines and a remote control for explosives found in his car, painted a haunting picture. Imagine a scene straight out of an action movie, but without the heroes swooping in to save the day.
The FBI’s discovery of Crooks’ last online search adds a surreal twist to an already perplexing case. It’s almost as if Crooks himself didn’t realize the gravity of his actions until the very last moment, opting for escapism over reality. The FBI’s Operational Technology Division revealed that the only other activity on his phone was text messages from his parents asking about his whereabouts—messages tinged with the mundane concern of everyday life that starkly contrasts with Crooks’ deadly intentions.
But that’s not all. Crooks’ phone also contained an array of photos of prominent politicians, ranging from Democrats’ House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) to Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), and even Rudy Giuliani. These images were plucked from the internet, devoid of any accompanying threats or ominous messages—a curious collection for someone on the brink of committing a heinous act.
As investigators delve deeper, they’re now focusing on Crooks’ laptop and multiple hard drives found in his bedroom. The content stretches back to spring, meticulously tracking Trump rally dates and locations, and gathering intel on major political conventions. It’s like peeling back layers of a mystery novel where each revelation raises more questions than answers.
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