Federal investigators have revealed that they do not have complete access to emails sent by former President Trump's shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, due to encryption issues, raising concerns among senators.
**BUTLER, Pa. –** FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate disclosed during a Senate hearing that federal investigators are facing limitations in accessing emails that the shooter, who attempted to assassinate former President Trump, sent online.
"Some of the applications that he was using online were encrypted in nature," Abbate explained. "Some of the email accounts will be broken into them. There are some that we have not been able to get information back because of their encrypted nature."
FBI Admits Incomplete Access to Trump Shooter's Encrypted Emails
The admission came after Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., questioned the FBI about Crooks' electronics, particularly his cellphone.
"So you're telling me the guy that took eight shots at the former president has apps and that we can't get into," Graham pressed. "Maybe if you could get into it, it would reveal some relevant information."
FBI Admits Incomplete Access to Trump Shooter's Encrypted Emails
Abbate confirmed, "That is correct, Senator."
Graham raised concerns about potential foreign involvement, given Crooks' access to encrypted communication platforms.
FBI Admits Incomplete Access to Trump Shooter's Encrypted Emails
"So if he were talking to some foreign power and I don't think any foreign power would hire this guy, but if this was some great plot by the Iranians," Graham speculated. "How do we solve this problem?"
Abbate responded, "Senator, as we've been saying, we need a solution that provides lawful access."
FBI Admits Incomplete Access to Trump Shooter's Encrypted Emails
Despite previous FBI announcements indicating successful access to Crooks' phone, officials acknowledged that encryption has posed challenges, particularly with foreign-based accounts.
"FBI technical specialists successfully gained access to Thomas Matthew Crooks’ phone, and they continue to analyze his electronic devices," the agency had stated in a press release.
FBI Admits Incomplete Access to Trump Shooter's Encrypted Emails
"Encryption has been a challenge, including foreign-based encrypted email accounts," FBI officials admitted on a call with reporters.
The joint hearing, involving top officials from the Secret Service and the FBI, marked the third congressional hearing in a week focused on the shooting at Trump's rally, which injured three individuals, including the former president, and killed one attendee.
The incident prompted the resignation of former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle amid criticism of the agency's security protocols. Ronald Rowe Jr., the agency's deputy director, has been appointed as the acting director of the Secret Service.
Senators expressed frustration over the lack of definitive answers provided by the acting Secret Service director during the hearing, highlighting the ongoing challenges in investigating the assassination attempt and ensuring the security of former presidents.
