Revelations in Thomas Crooks’ Assassination Attempt on Donald Trump

The FBI has released new information regarding Thomas Matthew Crooks, the individual involved in the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The attempt occurred during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024. Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, communicated through a series of coded text messages leading up to the event.

Text Messages and Coded Communication

Records obtained by Judicial Watch revealed that Crooks exchanged messages with an unidentified contact about 3D printed items. On February 9, 2023, this contact asked, “Did you 3D print the parts?” Crooks confirmed completion, apart from the fan blades. The contact expressed interest in the ‘cool’ parts, though responses to some messages were redacted by the FBI.

Further exchanges between Crooks and another redacted contact consisted of unusual, repetitive single-word messages such as “Hello red” and random sequences of characters. The period of these messages spanned from May 21, 2023, to January 3, 2024. The FBI chose to omit responses from the unidentified party in their records.

Other Findings and Previous Reports

Additional information from the FBI includes a notification regarding a package Crooks received from Hong Kong, as well as 40 drone photographs he took. The photos were captured between February 6, 2024, and February 27, 2024, featuring landmarks like PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.

Crooks’ interest in 3D printing was earlier reported by the New York Post. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley had shared documents indicating Crooks’ attempt to create a Glock 19 handgun using a 3D printer. His father, Matthew Crooks, recounted to investigators that Crooks used carbon fiber plastic along with household appliances in his efforts. Concerned about safety, Crooks’ father prohibited its use.

Impacts of the Assassination Attempt

The assassination attempt resulted in significant consequences. Two civilians lost their lives. Corey Comperatore, 50, died while protecting his family. James Copenhaver, 76, suffered gunshot wounds and, despite his discharge from the hospital, faced prolonged health issues. Complications from his injuries led to his death on September 23, 2026.

During the incident, Donald Trump was grazed by a bullet but survived thanks to the intervention of Secret Service agents.

“These latest records reveal more pieces of the puzzle surrounding Thomas Crooks,” noted Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch. He urged the FBI for full transparency, especially after James Copenhaver’s death due to the injuries sustained.