Butler, Pennsylvania – Former President Donald Trump has agreed to participate in a victim interview with the FBI as part of the investigation into the attempted assassination at one of his campaign rallies. FBI officials revealed on Monday that the interview would be conducted following standard procedures for victim interviews. The agency aims to gather Trump’s perspective on the incident, treating him as they would any other witness to the crime.
The investigation continues to focus on determining the motive of the 20-year-old suspect, Thomas Matthew Crooks. Officials noted that Crooks displayed signs of careful planning leading up to the campaign rally, as well as a significant effort to conceal his activities. Kevin Rojek, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office, emphasized the importance of understanding Crooks’ actions and motivations in the lead-up to the attempted assassination.
In addition to his behavior leading up to the incident, investigators uncovered that Crooks used aliases to make multiple firearms-related purchases online. He also purchased chemical precursors for explosive devices through online channels under various identities. The FBI’s Assistant Director of the Counterterrorism Division in Washington, DC, Bobby Wells, highlighted the challenges investigators faced in accessing Crooks’ encrypted emails, where he conducted most of his illicit transactions.
Despite the discovery of explosive materials in Crooks’ possession and his history of purchasing hazardous components, his parents did not have any clear indications to report their concerns to authorities prior to the attack. Rojek mentioned that Crooks’ interest in science and experimentation may have masked any potential red flags for his parents. The shooter’s isolation from social circles, both online and in person, further complicated efforts to identify his motives and prevent the tragic incident.
As the investigation into the attempted assassination unfolds, law enforcement officials remain committed to uncovering the full extent of Crooks’ actions and motivations. The victim interview with Trump represents a crucial step in piecing together the events leading up to the rally shooting and shedding light on the suspect’s intentions. With ongoing efforts to understand the shooter’s background and behavior, authorities strive to prevent similar acts of violence in the future.