Ashton Packe, an ex-Nevada law enforcement official and member of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, discusses the hurdles investigators face in accessing the suspect's phone, a crucial piece of evidence in the assassination attempt on former President Trump.
**Bethel Park, PA** - In the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Trump at a Pennsylvania rally, retired Nevada law enforcement expert Ashton Packe, a former member of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, has shed light on the technological challenges investigators encounter in such cases.
Packe emphasized the importance of digital devices in modern criminal investigations, stating, "Today in modern-day America, criminal investigations just inherently require the access or the use of these digital devices. No crime is committed without the criminal having evidence on a cellphone or some kind of digital device."
Former FBI Expert Sheds Light on Challenges in Trump Assassination Attempt Investigation
In the case of the Trump assassination attempt suspect, Thomas Matthew Crooks, investigators have faced difficulties accessing his cellphone due to its encryption. Getting into an encrypted device, in today's age, is incredibly difficult," explained Packe.
Packe noted that even the FBI, with its advanced capabilities, may require the assistance of "foreign adversaries" or "foreign nation-state people" to access encrypted devices. "You're talking high-level spy games there," he said.
Former FBI Expert Sheds Light on Challenges in Trump Assassination Attempt Investigation
If the FBI attempts to decrypt Crooks' phone, it could face a legal dilemma, as Packe highlighted. "Depending on the level of encryption that the phone has, they might be able to get into it, which is a catch-22," he said. "Here in the United States, we all have the right to privacy and the right to be safe and secure in our person – and that is guaranteed under the Fourth Amendment."
Packe explained that law enforcement typically requires a search warrant to access protected information. "Civilian law enforcement won't be able to find out what's in there unless they have that passcode," he said.
Former FBI Expert Sheds Light on Challenges in Trump Assassination Attempt Investigation
Packe's insights align with statements made by FBI Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek, who indicated that the agency is still investigating the suspect's phone but declined to disclose the service provider for privacy reasons.
On Monday, the FBI notified House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and ranking member Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) about the ongoing investigation and Crooks' phone.
Former FBI Expert Sheds Light on Challenges in Trump Assassination Attempt Investigation
Packe's expertise provides valuable context for understanding the challenges faced by law enforcement in the Trump assassination attempt investigation, particularly in terms of accessing digital evidence that is crucial for unraveling the suspect's motives and potential connections.
As the investigation progresses, Packe's observations serve as a reminder of the complex interplay between technology, privacy, and the pursuit of justice in modern criminal cases.
Former FBI Expert Sheds Light on Challenges in Trump Assassination Attempt Investigation
