FBI Director Christopher Wray revealed that Thomas Matthew Crooks, the suspect in the attempted assassination of former President Trump, searched for information about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on Google just days before the rally. The revelation adds a chilling dimension to the investigation as authorities seek to understand the gunman's motivations and potential links to extremist ideologies.
FBI Director Christopher Wray disclosed Wednesday during his testimony before the House Judiciary Committee that Trump gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks searched about the Kennedy assassination a week before the Pennsylvania rally. This revelation has raised concerns about Crooks' potential motives and whether he was inspired by other historical acts of violence.
Trump Gunman Searched Kennedy Assassination as FBI Deepens Investigation
The revelation of Crooks' online search history has heightened security concerns surrounding Secret Service events. Pennsylvania's State Police commissioner, Col. Christopher Paris, testified before the House Homeland Security Committee that at least two other suspicious individuals were identified at the rally before Crooks opened fire. However, actual threats are considered rare, and Crooks is believed to have acted alone.
Crooks became "even more suspicious" after authorities observed him with a range finder and moving around outside the perimeter of the rally. Paris stated that officers initially approached Crooks, but he ran off. A "text thread" among law enforcement personnel was used to communicate regarding Crooks' sighting and disappearance.
Trump Gunman Searched Kennedy Assassination as FBI Deepens Investigation
Experts emphasize that the definitions of "suspicious" and "unusual" people can vary between law enforcement agencies. Former Secret Service agent Bill Gage notes that identifying suspicious individuals at events is common, but classifying them as genuine threats is rarer.
Despite Paris' testimony, Gage raises additional questions regarding Crooks' behavior and the communication between law enforcement agencies. He questions why Crooks ran from officers and if that information was relayed to the command post timely. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the time Crooks reportedly spent on the roof before firing.
Trump Gunman Searched Kennedy Assassination as FBI Deepens Investigation
FBI Director Wray also provided updates on the investigation, revealing that Crooks had been researching prior presidential assassinations, including the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Crooks' search history indicated a growing focus on Trump and the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
While the failed assassination attempt raised questions about rally security, the Secret Service has remained tight-lipped about operational details. Former NYPD inspector Paul Mauro suggests releasing the operational plan to congressional investigators would help clarify the security breaches.
Trump Gunman Searched Kennedy Assassination as FBI Deepens Investigation
The assassination attempt has sparked political debate, with some calling for increased security measures and others criticizing the heightened security presence. Trump himself has accused the Secret Service of allowing him to walk out on stage without prior warning about suspicious individuals.
The FBI has emphasized that the investigation into the assassination attempt is a top priority. The Shooting Reconstruction Team is examining evidence from the scene, including bullet fragments, and the investigation remains ongoing. While Crooks did not succeed in killing Trump, he fatally shot bystander Corey Comperatore and wounded two others.
Trump Gunman Searched Kennedy Assassination as FBI Deepens Investigation
