Recently released photos of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the man who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump, have prompted a surge of speculation about the July 13 incident in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Eerie images showing Crooks just minutes before the attack have fueled conspiracy theories despite the FBI’s ongoing insistence that he acted alone, as the Daily Mail reports.
Crooks, 20, attempted to kill Trump during a rally, but was ultimately shot and killed by a Secret Service sniper. The attack, which left Trump with a minor injury and resulted in the death of one rally attendee, continues to generate questions.
Among the photos now circulating, one shows Crooks standing on a wall in a grassy area near the rally. He is holding a cell phone, seemingly observing the surroundings. In another image, he is seen looking over his shoulder, a posture that some have interpreted as suspicious.
The FBI’s report on Crooks maintains that he acted alone, but these images have reignited a wave of conspiracy theories. Some speculate that Crooks may have been working with others, despite the lack of evidence to support this claim.
Documents released to the watchdog group Judicial Watch include pictures and local law enforcement plans for the rally. These documents have become a focal point for those questioning the official narrative.
One viral video showing a woman shouting at Crooks before the shooting has been a key driver of speculation. The woman’s words, "Crooks. What are you doing? Get over here. Get down," have led some to believe she may have been an accomplice. This theory was later debunked, with authorities confirming she had no involvement in the plot.
Another theory gaining attention was propagated by conservative podcaster Alex Jones. He suggested that the attack was part of a “Deep State” coup attempt, an accusation that has found a receptive audience among his followers.
Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA) also weighed in, claiming without evidence that President Joe Biden ordered the attack on Trump. This unfounded assertion has further polarized public opinion.
Security measures at the rally have come under intense scrutiny. Despite the Secret Service's presence, Crooks managed to bring a firearm and explosive materials into the event. A remote detonator was also found in his car, raising concerns about how these items evaded detection.
Crooks’ suspicious behavior before the attack included lingering around metal detectors and using a range finder. He fired his weapon at 6:11 p.m., just eight minutes after Trump took the stage, further intensifying scrutiny of the event's security protocols.
While the FBI continues to assert that Crooks acted alone, the release of these images and the ongoing discussions they have sparked suggest that the public remains divided over the true nature of the incident. As the investigation continues, the debate over what really happened at the Butler rally is unlikely to subside anytime soon.
These new images, combined with the complex array of conspiracy theories and unanswered questions, ensure that this story will remain a focal point of public interest for the foreseeable future.
