A shocking assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump has prompted an investigation by the FBI into the man behind the chaos.
Thomas Matthew Crooks is the man who attempted to kill Trump, and the FBI is actively investigating the motives behind the attack as well as his potential mental health concern, as News Nation reports.
The FBI is meticulously analyzing various aspects of Crooks' life to uncover the reasons behind his attempt to murder the former president. FBI Director Christopher Wray highlighted the notion that Crooks' internet searches prior to the attack could provide significant clues about his mental state.
Former Secret Service agent Paul Eckloff underscored the importance of understanding Crooks' behavior in examining the motives behind mass shooters in America. Eckloff pointed out that despite not many shooters having a diagnosed mental illness, those who do often display noticeable changes in behavior.
On July 6, Crooks took several significant steps, including registering for the Butler rally at which Trump was set to speak. He also conducted an online search regarding the assassination distance between Lee Harvey Oswald and President John F. Kennedy, an alarming insight into his mindset.
According to Wray, this search provides a deeper understanding of Crooks' mental state in the days leading up to the assassination attempt. Crooks, a 20-year-old nursing home employee and community college graduate, displayed several red flags prior to the incident. Among them was the operation of a drone about 200 yards from the rally's stage, over two hours before Trump was scheduled to speak. This preparation indicates a premeditated attempt on Crooks' part.
The FBI's analysis of Crooks' online activity uncovered searches related to both Trump and Biden, as well as photos of the two political figures. Moreover, images of U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and a British royal family member were also discovered on his phone.
One critical element was Crooks' use of an encrypted messaging application, which can complicate the investigation into potential communications with co-conspirators or further plans. Eckloff emphasized that the timeline of Crooks' behaviors, including his web searches, would be critical in understanding his motives.
Further examination revealed Crooks had searched for information related to Ethan Crumbley's Michigan school shooting, major depressive disorder, as well as explosive materials and improvised explosive devices. These searches paint a concerning picture of Crooks' state of mind leading up to the incident.
Eckloff noted that studying Crooks' mental health might provide essential clues. "If you look back at a history of mass shooters in public spaces, 25% had a diagnosed mental illness," Eckloff stated, adding that these mental health issues are often interlinked with significant behavioral changes.
"We'll need to go back and draw a timeline of his behaviors, and certainly, his internet searches are part of that," Eckloff mentioned. He urged that monitoring changes in behavior could offer opportunities to intervene and prevent such incidents. Eckloff acknowledged America's fascination with assassins, indicating that Crooks' research on famous assassins was alarming but should be seen in the broader context of America's cultural intrigue with such figures.
The FBI's investigation continues to uncover more details about Crooks' actions and motives. His meticulous planning, mental health history, and alarming online activity provide a complex picture that authorities are diligently piecing together.
Crooks' interest in high-profile figures, coupled with his concerning searches about explosives and mental health disorders, point to a troubled individual grappling with serious issues. The insights provided by authorities like Eckloff and Wray are critical in understanding the broader context of this troubling episode.
