Facebook has admitted a significant error in its content moderation policy after mistakenly labeling an iconic photo of former President Donald Trump as "altered."
According to Fox Business, Facebook mistakenly labeled a genuine photo of Donald Trump pumping his fist in the air after an assassination attempt as "altered," which led to significant backlash.
The controversy began when users on X, formerly Twitter, noticed that their Facebook accounts flagged the image of Trump, taken by Associated Press photographer Evan Vucci, as manipulated. This mislabeling sparked protests online, underscoring concerns about Big Tech and potential election meddling.
Dani Lever, Meta’s Public Affairs Director, explained that the error stemmed from confusion with a separate version of the image, which had been altered to show agents smiling. After the error was identified, the mistaken labeling applied to the genuine photo was corrected.
"This was an error," Lever acknowledged. "In some cases, our systems incorrectly applied that fact check to the real photo. This has been fixed, and we apologize for the mistake." This clarifies that the factual error arose from a mix-up between the original and an altered image that had been scrutinized.
The original photograph, which showed Trump with blood on his face and his right arm elevated, surrounded by Secret Service agents, was indeed genuine. It had been published by reputable news sources like CNN, The Atlantic, and Business Insider.
USA Today and the AFP United States had previously validated the altered photo featuring smiling agents. Facebook’s algorithms inadvertently used this fact-checking to flag the unaltered image, highlighting vulnerabilities in automated content moderation.
The incident coincided with another notable development involving Google. Users reported that Google's autocomplete feature was omitting references to the July 13 assassination attempt on Trump. Instead, the search giant recommended other historical assassination attempts, such as those against Ronald Reagan.
A Google spokesperson clarified that there was no manual intervention in the autocomplete suggestions and emphasized that their systems include safeguards against predictions linked with political violence.
"Our systems have protections against Autocomplete predictions associated with political violence," the spokesperson said. They also added that Google strives for constant enhancement to ensure timely and accurate system responses.
The backlash against Meta's mislabeling raised critical issues surrounding big technology companies' roles in shaping information flow during election periods. Users expressed frustration over the potential for such errors to distort public perception.
Statements from Meta and Google underscore the complexity of moderating content in real-time, particularly when dealing with politically charged images and terms. Lever’s admission of error and subsequent correction reflect ongoing challenges in balancing automated moderation with accuracy and fairness.
Ultimately, the dialogue generated by this controversy points to the need for enhanced transparency and accountability from tech companies as they play increasingly central roles in the dissemination of information.
The chilling series of events leading up to an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump has exposed significant security failures.
According to Daily Mail, the Secret Service countersnipers had identified gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks 90 minutes before he fired. He was first spotted sitting on a picnic table 50 yards from the exit at 4:26 p.m.
Countersnipers exchanged a string of messages about Crooks’ location and movements. Several photos of Crooks were taken as he moved closer to the rally stage.
Despite repeated warnings, Crooks was never approached or questioned. He was seen on the roof of the American Glass Research building shortly before the shooting.
Crooks fired eight shots from an AR-style rifle within 30 minutes of being reported by the countersnipers. Trump narrowly escaped harm with only a grazed ear.
Retired volunteer fire chief Corey Comperatore was fatally shot during the attack. Many others were injured in the chaos.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who resigned following the incident on July 13, admitted, "The buck stops with me." Cheatle has faced criticism for not positioning agents on the roof and acknowledged failure to act on multiple warnings about a suspicious individual.
FBI Director Christopher Wray revealed Crooks' disturbing online activity. Crooks had researched the distance from which Lee Harvey Oswald had shot John F. Kennedy and had flown a drone near the stage two hours before his attack.
Crooks’ father contacted law enforcement on the day of the shooting, validating concerns about his behavior. Crooks had assured his employer he would return to work on Sunday.
Former President Trump has publicly defended the brave lady from the Secret Service who shielded him during the attack. Trump highlighted the agent's courage amidst the online criticism she faced after the foiled assassination attempt.
Crooks utilized mechanical equipment and vertical piping to scale the roof, evading a security breach that Secret Service personnel were supposed to secure. The countersnipers' warning about Crooks went unheeded, culminating in the attack.
Authorities have not confirmed the motive behind Crooks' actions. Nonetheless, the incident has triggered a significant review of security protocols for protecting public figures.
The investigation continues, raising concerns about the protection afforded to public figures at high-profile events. Crooks' actions and the corresponding response have underscored the delicate balance of maintaining vigilance and ensuring public safety. While Cheatle has taken responsibility for the breach, the broader implications for the Secret Service and local law enforcement protocols remain. This incident may prompt a reevaluation of policies to prevent such lapses.
A report by investigative journalist Seymour Hersh has caused a political storm by alleging that former President Barack Obama pressured President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 election campaign.
According to BizPac Review, the report claims that Vice President Kamala Harris approved invoking the 25th Amendment, enabling a coordinated effort by high-ranking Democrats to replace Biden.
President Biden abruptly suspended his re-election campaign and remained out of the public eye for nearly six days. During this time, the White House physician provided periodic updates on Biden's COVID-19 treatment, adding to the growing speculation about his well-being and political future.
In a detailed exposé, Hersh, in collaboration with a senior Washington official, described a White House in turmoil. The report specifically implicated Obama in allegedly orchestrating a campaign coup to change the Democratic ticket for the 2024 election.
The controversy intensified after Biden suddenly left Nevada on July 17. Hersh’s account suggested that Obama, with Harris’s support, urged Biden to step down, potentially invoking the 25th Amendment to do so.
A senior Washington official quoted Obama’s ultimatum during a call with Biden as saying, “Here’s the deal. We have Kamala’s approval to invoke the 25th Amendment.” This assertion, if true, indicates a dramatic and unprecedented power play within the Democratic Party.
Senate Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and California Representative Nancy Pelosi were also implicated in the report for their roles in pressuring Biden. Schumer and Pelosi reportedly employed a "good cop, bad cop" strategy to coax Biden into compliance.
The same day as Obama’s alleged phone call, former President Donald Trump and his running mate, J.D. Vance, discussed these coup allegations on Fox News with host Jesse Watters. Trump claimed Biden was pressured to withdraw because of poor polling numbers and the threat of the 25th Amendment.
Trump colorfully portrayed Biden's resistance, stating, “He’s losing the fight. He’s down by 15, 16, 17 points... They say that, ‘You’re not gonna win, Joe... You gotta get out.’ He didn’t want to get out.”
As Trump spoke at the Bitcoin Conference 2024, he reiterated his belief that Biden was forced out due to political pressures. Trump claimed Biden expressed a refusal to exit, citing the votes he had garnered, but faced a mounting threat of being assessed for mental competence under the 25th Amendment.
Hersh's report also cast doubt on Harris's own stability as a presumptive nominee. According to Walter Kim, editor-at-large of County Highway, her candidacy was described as "probationary,” implying potential vulnerability within the Democratic hierarchy.
Seymour Hersh concluded that Obama had a specific agenda and was keen on maintaining control over the election's trajectory, fueling further political drama. The involvement of high-ranking figures like Schumer, Jeffries, and Pelosi underlines a significant internal effort to reconfigure the Democratic leadership.
A new report by Seymour Hersh claims former President Barack Obama was involved in pressuring President Joe Biden to drop his re-election bid, suggesting Kamala Harris approved invoking the 25th Amendment. Hersh's account details White House chaos and involvement from key Democratic leaders. Allegedly, Biden was told to exit the race or face removal, with Harris becoming the presumptive nominee. The report raises questions about Harris's future on the ticket and the Democratic Party's internal dynamics.
A newly released video by Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley reveals the chaos that unfolded after the shooting of ex-President Donald Trump on July 13, raising concerns about security failures.
The footage and records that have emerged highlight problematic communication between local and federal law enforcement during the incident, as the Western Journal reports.
The video, made public by Grassley, documents the actions of Secret Service agents and Beaver County Emergency Services immediately after the former president was shot. The footage includes scenes of the crime, showing Thomas Matthew Crooks, the assailant, lying dead amid a blood trail.
Grassley's office has scrutinized the video, identifying significant delays and lapses in communication among various law enforcement agencies. The senator expressed unease over the slow response in identifying and disabling a suspected detonator beside Crooks.
Two explosive devices were eventually located in the attacker's vehicle. Analysis revealed that Crooks could not have detonated them from the rooftop where he carried out the attack. Law enforcement officials were also seen discussing the need to use a drone to examine and ensure the security of a nearby water tower.
The complexity of the situation was further evidenced by the fact that the Secret Service had a drone operator assigned to the event. FBI Director Christopher Wray later confirmed that Crooks had flown his own drone near the venue about two hours before the assassination attempt.
Grassley released the footage and associated records on July 23, advocating for transparency regarding the event. He criticized federal agencies, particularly shedding light on the Secret Service's transparency issues in effectively communicating their security inadequacies to the public.
The release of the footage and records has intensified demands for accountability. Grassley has openly criticized the federal agencies involved for what he described as a “catastrophic security failure.”
In an official letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Grassley requested the detailed operational security plan for the rally held on the day of the incident. The senator's proactive approach seeks to instill clarity and consequences for the perceived law enforcement mishandling.
Adding to the disclosure, the FBI confirmed on the Friday following the assassination attempt that Trump had indeed been struck by a bullet. This announcement ended widespread rumors and debates regarding what had wounded the former president.
In response to the FBI's statement, Donald Trump acknowledged the agency's clarification on his social media platform, Truth Social. "I assume that’s the best apology that we’ll get from Director Wray, but it is fully accepted!” Trump posted, refuting doubts about the nature of his injury.
This latest revelation has stirred public and political discourse, with many calling for increased scrutiny on security protocols for high-profile individuals. The complexity of dealing with such threats and the efficiency of the response mechanisms are under vigorous examination.
Grassley remains firm on his stand for public transparency. “This assassination attempt is a matter of significant public interest, and the public’s business ought to be public. I’m releasing these records as part of my efforts to get answers and hold agencies accountable,” he said, emphasizing the importance of full disclosure.
Vice President Kamala Harris' recent remarks on Gaza indicate what could represent a significant shift in the White House's stance on the conflict with Israel.
In a notable departure from prior messaging, Harris emphasized both Israel's right to defend itself and the plight of Palestinians, calling for a ceasefire, as Newsweek reports.
On Thursday, Harris held a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Following the discussion, she expressed the twin priorities of supporting Israel's defense efforts and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Harris, now the presumptive Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden exited the race, conveyed her stance firmly. She highlighted Israel's right to self-defense and underscored the need to save hostages held by Hamas.
Importantly, Harris also addressed what she described as the suffering experienced by Palestinians. She urged Netanyahu to consider a ceasefire, underlining extensive civilian casualties and displacement caused by the nine-month conflict. Chuck Freilich, a senior fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies, pointed out the noticeable contrast between Harris' comments and President Biden’s previous statements. Harris' focus on the humanitarian crisis was echoed in her prior remarks in Dubai last December and in March, where she had also called for a ceasefire.
Freilich suggested that Harris aims to establish a balanced position, especially with her current front-runner status for the Democratic ticket. This approach could be a strategic move to appeal to a broader voter base, according to experts.
Grant Davis Reeher from Syracuse University observed that Harris' new tone likely reflects her views and her effort to engage voters unhappy with the current administration's response to the Gaza conflict. He noted the potential repercussions, cautioning that altering her stance might attract some voters while alienating others.
Thomas Gift from University College London remarked on the delicate balance Harris must maintain between articulating White House policies and establishing her views. He cautioned that focusing too heavily on the conflict could hurt her politically, given its polarizing nature.
Reports from an aide confirmed that both Harris and Biden supported a ceasefire and hostage deal in their private meetings with Netanyahu. Harris' public comments were consistent, starting with a strong endorsement of Israel’s defense, followed by expressing concern for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Gaza war has had severe repercussions, with The Associated Press reporting at least 39,000 Palestinian deaths and significant civilian displacement. The conflict began with Hamas' deadly attack on Israel on Oct. 7 of last year, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and numerous hostages being taken.
Activist Zara Rahim highlighted Harris' direct reference to the deaths of children in Gaza as a stark shift in White House rhetoric. Harris’ remarks have sparked a mix of criticism and praise on social media, varying widely across the political spectrum. Actor Mark Ruffalo welcomed this shift, calling Harris' language a breath of fresh air filled with humanity and compassion.
Harris used this opportunity to address those advocating for peace and a ceasefire. "I see you, and I hear you," she said, underscoring her alignment with the calls for ending the conflict. On the same day, Harris also denounced hateful rhetoric and violence during protests. She emphasized that antisemitism and desecration of symbols like the American flag have no place in the U.S.
Harris articulated these views passionately, saying, "We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering. And I will not be silent."
The subtle shift in the White House's tone on Gaza, as voiced by Harris, seeks to navigate the complex and sensitive geopolitical landscape while addressing the moral and ethical concerns at play. Harris' balanced approach will be pivotal as she campaigns for the presidency ahead of November.
On July 13, a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, was disrupted by gunshots fired from a rooftop.
As reported by Fox News, the Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner noted that besides would-be Trump assassin Thomas Crooks, there were at least two other suspicious individuals at the July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Crooks, 20, was first observed as suspicious around 5:10 p.m. by authorities. Despite ongoing surveillance, he later used a rangefinder while looking at his phone, raising further suspicion.
A photo of Crooks was taken and shared in a "Sniper Group" chat, heightening alert levels. The Secret Service noticed him on a roof roughly 150 yards from where Trump was set to speak.
Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris confirmed that Crooks never breached the rally's secure perimeter. “He never made it through the secure perimeter into the venue space itself,” Paris stated.
However, the officer assigned to monitor the rooftop, where Crooks had positioned himself, temporarily left due to the extreme heat. This lapse in supervision allowed Crooks to fire shots just before Trump was to appear.
Authorities dealt with numerous issues that day, including over 100 attendees needing medical attention due to the heat. There was also the case of a missing six-year-old, which strained resources and attention.
Rep. Andrew Garbarino questioned if Crooks was the only suspicious person identified during the event. “Was [Crooks] the only one determined to be suspicious that day?” he asked. Commissioner Paris responded, “No, he was not.” This acknowledgment pointed to additional individuals being noted but not specified during the rally.
Paris offered additional context, describing Crooks as someone who was identified during his movements outside the venue but did not enter the secured area. “He was walking around and not moving into the venue,” Paris noted.
The rangefinder use coupled with Crooks' suspicious behaviors led to an elevated state of alertness among law enforcement. “There was a text thread that was going... They took a photo of him at some point when he utilized the rangefinder. The suspicion was heightened,” explained Paris.
Despite the vigilance, Crooks fired shots less than 20 minutes after being seen on the roof. The specifics of his motives and how he managed to evade closer scrutiny are still under investigation.
The unfortunate lapse of a law enforcement officer leaving his post due to the heat might have provided Crooks the undetected opportunity to act. Paris emphasized that, at the time of these events unfolding, there was no confirmed information indicating Crooks was armed.
Crooks was flagged as a person of interest and ultimately fired shots from a rooftop. Security measures and rapid response likely prevented further escalation. Unrelated issues like medical emergencies due to heat and a missing child added complexity to the situation. Further details about other suspicious individuals and their potential connections to Crooks' actions remain undisclosed, pending investigation. The authorities' quick actions, despite the failures in monitoring, underscore the challenges of ensuring security at large public events.
The tranquility of a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania, was shattered on July 13.
An attempted assassination of Donald Trump occurred, with the shooter firing eight shots before being neutralized by Secret Service snipers, leading to Trump's ear injury, one fatality, and another person wounded.
The Daily Mail reported that new footage of that horrific event has surfaced showing the moment Crooks opened fire and sending the people nearby fleeing.
The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, initiated his attack from a rooftop about 400 feet from the stage. Armed with an AR-15-style rifle, Crooks managed to fire eight rounds in a matter of six seconds.
The Secret Service reacted quickly, with snipers taking the first counter shot approximately 5.5 seconds after Crooks began his onslaught.
Despite their rapid response, Crooks managed to injure Trump and fatally wound a rally attendee before being killed ten seconds into the shooting.
John Malice, a witness and videographer, captured critical footage of the event. He noted the lack of security protocols such as metal detectors for those near the nearby AGR building.
"We just kind of ignored it because we thought it was some person trying to get a better view," Malice remarked, recalling how Crooks scaled the building just moments before the attack.
The situation was exacerbated by the Pennsylvania State Police's failure to observe Crooks’ movements as they left their designated posts. Local officers had noted earlier suspicious behavior by Crooks, who was seen using a rangefinder before the shooting.
The Secret Service, under scrutiny for the breach, faced further embarrassment when its Director, Kimberly Cheatle, resigned following the incident.
Cheatle revealed that vulnerabilities on the roof were known days prior to the rally and conceded full responsibility for the security lapse.
"This was the most significant operational failure we've seen in decades," Cheatle acknowledged, emphasizing the severity of the breach.
Further investigation revealed that Crooks had conducted online research into details about Trump, President Joe Biden, and the Democratic National Convention.
His motives, while still under investigation, indicate a potential political dimension to the attack.
The event caused immediate chaos among rally attendees. Malice later recounted the fear and confusion, noting, "I have a picture of him with his rifle up and his rifle turned towards me and the other guys that were standing behind the tree – and at that second Secret Service shot him."
As the nation grapples with the shock of the attempt on Trump's life, attention turns to FBI Director Christopher Wray, who is set to testify before Congress.
His upcoming testimony will address the broader implications of the incident and measures for preventing such occurrences in the future.
The attempted assassination during Donald Trump's campaign event has highlighted profound deficiencies in security protocols.
Thomas Crooks, a young shooter, managed to fire eight rounds within seconds from a rooftop vantage point.
The inability of the Secret Service and local law enforcement to prevent the attack led to an unanticipated tragedy, with one rally attendee killed and another wounded. The swift response by Secret Service snipers, though eventually effective, was not enough to prevent initial damage.
With the resignation of Kimberly Cheatle and upcoming testimony from FBI Director Christopher Wray, the Secret Service is under immense pressure to reassess and fortify its security measures to prevent future breaches.
President Joe Biden's recent call to former campaign staff has raised questions about his health after an unusual exchange with Vice President Kamala Harris.
The Daily Mail reported that the call comes just days after Biden's isolation due to COVID-19 and his surprising decision to step down from the presidential race was announced on social media.
Joe Biden, from COVID isolation in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, spoke to his staffers on Monday.
At 81 years old, Biden addressed Vice President Kamala Harris with the phrase, "I'm watching you, kid," during the call.
Notably, Kamala Harris referred to Biden during the call, saying "rec..." before correcting herself to "call." This slip has led Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene to speculate if Biden's comments were prerecorded.
Charlie Kirk labeled Harris's slip as "very strange," and Representative Lauren Boebert questioned Biden's location. Meanwhile, campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez's body language during Biden's remarks deepened suspicions of possible prerecorded audio or AI involvement.
Biden has been in COVID isolation since testing positive last week. His doctor, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, reported that Biden's symptoms have almost fully resolved and his vital signs, including oxygen saturation, remain normal.
Since his announcement via social media on Sunday, Biden has remained unseen publicly for five days, last appearing at a U.S. airbase in Dover, Delaware. He plans to return to the White House on Tuesday afternoon.
During the call, Biden expressed regret for not physically supporting his staff due to COVID. "If I didn’t have COVID, I’d be standing there with you," he mentioned.
Boebert demanded a "proof of life" from Biden by 5:00 pm Monday, and Glenn Greenwald criticized Biden's absence, describing it as "strange and wrong" under the important circumstances.
Marjorie Taylor Greene linked Biden's withdrawal to internal power struggles, increasing health concerns after his brother Frank Biden cited illness as a factor. However, a Biden family source dismissed Frank Biden's claims, attributing them to his alcoholism.
Biden’s announcement to withdraw comes at a crucial time for the Democratic party, with Biden endorsing Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. Harris's campaign quickly raised $81 million in donations following the announcement.
Despite the surprising news, Biden assured his campaign staff that their jobs are secure, as confirmed by campaign staffer O'Malley Dillon. He also pledged to remain involved in the reelection fight and support Harris’s campaign.
Biden's call included a heartfelt plea for continued support. “I’m hoping you’ll give every bit of your heart and soul that you gave to me to Kamala,” he stated, reaffirming his commitment to stay engaged even after stepping down from the race.
With just six months left of his presidency, Biden emphasized his determination to accomplish as much as possible in both foreign and domestic policy. He assured his team, "So let me be real clear. We're still fighting in this fight together. I'm not going anywhere."
The President’s unexpected withdrawal and the ensuing speculation have undoubtedly stirred public and political reactions.
As uncertainty looms, the nation awaits Biden's return to the public eye and his continued support for Harris’s campaign future.
The peculiar interaction on the call, coupled with Biden’s health and disappearance from public view, continues to feed speculation and concern about the internal dynamics and leadership within the Democratic Party.
The director of the U.S. Secret Service acknowledged a serious security breach during a House Oversight Committee hearing on Monday, describing the July 13 shooting of former President Donald Trump as a major operational failure.
Al Jazeera reported that Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle admitted the agency's failure to prevent an attempted assassination of Trump during a campaign event in Butler County, Pennsylvania, which resulted in injuries to Trump and three others, including one fatality.
During her testimony, Cheatle disclosed that the perpetrator, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, had been flagged as "suspicious" but not considered an immediate threat.
Crooks, a nursing home aide, was ultimately shot and killed by law enforcement officers at the scene.
Cheatle publicly admitted fault, stating, "We failed. As the director of the United States Secret Service, I take full responsibility for any security lapse." She characterized the assassination attempt on Trump as the most critical failure faced by the agency in decades.
Republican members of the House Oversight Committee expressed deep concerns, with Chairman James Comer urging Cheatle to step down. "It is my firm belief, Director Cheatle, that you should resign," Comer asserted, pointing to the agency's large staff and budget as reasons why such failures are inexcusable.
Cheatle, however, resisted calls for her resignation. She emphasized, "Our mission is not political. It is literally a matter of life and death." She also noted that security measures for Trump had been heightened well before the campaign cycle and were continuously being adapted to address evolving threats.
The House Oversight Committee's session marked the beginning of congressional examination of the assassination attempt. Democratic Representative Gerry Connolly pointed out the broader context of increasing political polarization and heightened tensions in the country, stating that such "unacceptable incidents" highlighted these issues.
In the wake of the incident, FBI Director Christopher Wray is scheduled to testify before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. This will provide further insight into federal law enforcement perspectives on the threats facing public officials and the adequacy of current protective measures.
Additionally, House Speaker Mike Johnson plans to announce a bipartisan task force to bolster House investigations into the attack and other concerning security incidents. This initiative aims to address gaps in current security protocols and ensure comprehensive legislative oversight.
Lawmakers across the political spectrum have voiced their strong reactions to the attempted assassination.
While Republicans are primarily focused on perceived lapses by the Secret Service, Democrats stress the broader societal issues contributing to such acts of violence.
Cheatle's remarks, "The level of security provided for the former president increased well before the campaign and has been steadily increasing as threats evolve," underline the complex nature of maintaining security in today's politically charged environment. This heightened security, despite the operational failure, reflects ongoing efforts to protect individuals at risk.
In conclusion, the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump has set off a wave of scrutiny and criticism of the United States Secret Service.
Kimberly Cheatle, the agency's director, admitted to significant lapses during a congressional hearing, while standing firm against calls for her resignation. This event has spotlighted the growing challenges of ensuring security amid rising political discord, prompting further investigations and potential reforms led by top government officials.
Breitbart News revealed that the FBI used advanced, unreleased technology from Cellebrite to access the phone of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the shooter in the recent attack on former President Donald Trump.
The successful unlocking aimed to uncover the motives behind the attack but sparked concerns over using such technology.
Thomas Matthew Crooks was identified as the shooter in the incident that occurred at a rally in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, where former President Donald Trump was speaking. Trump sustained a bullet wound to his ear, while a spectator was killed and others were injured during the incident.
The FBI initially tried to access Crooks' phone using their existing Cellebrite software license, but their attempts were unsuccessful. According to sources familiar with the investigation, the local FBI bureau in Pittsburgh sought help from Cellebrite’s federal team after failing to unlock the device.
The device in question, a newer Samsung model equipped with the Android operating system, proved resistant to their initial data extraction attempts.
After the failed attempts, the FBI made a direct appeal to Cellebrite for further assistance. Cellebrite provided a new, unreleased software still in development to the FBI in Quantico, Virginia.
Once the FBI received the software update from Cellebrite, it took approximately 40 minutes to unlock the phone. The Washington Post first reported on the FBI’s use of Cellebrite technology in this case, revealing the speed and effectiveness of the new software.
Cellebrite's technology employs techniques to disable built-in mechanisms that block repeated passcode attempts while generating millions of codes. This sophisticated approach proved successful, whereas previous efforts had failed.
Privacy advocates have raised ethical concerns regarding the use of such advanced technology, arguing that it could be misused for unethical hacking or by foreign governments against activists.
Cellebrite, a Nasdaq-listed company, reported annual recurring revenue of $89.6 million in the first quarter of 2024 and involvement in over 5 million cases. The company has ceased operations in certain locations, including China and Hong Kong, citing human rights concerns.
The company states that its software is used solely for unlocking seized phones in legally sanctioned cases and not for surveillance purposes. This stance aims to address privacy concerns and ensure the ethical use of their technology.
“The company maintains that its software is used solely for unlocking seized phones in legally sanctioned cases and not for surveillance purposes,” a Cellebrite spokesperson said.
The FBI’s use of unreleased Cellebrite technology to unlock Thomas Matthew Crooks' phone following the attack on former President Donald Trump demonstrates both the capabilities and the controversies of modern forensic tools. The incident in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, which resulted in a bullet wound to Trump’s ear and the death of a spectator, serves as a reminder of the complexities and ethical dilemmas in the intersection of technology and law enforcement.