Thomas Crooks, the man charged with attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, reportedly researched Oxford High School shooter Ethan Crumbley before carrying out the attack. Crumbley's internet search history also included references to depression, Trump, and the Democratic National Convention.
Thomas Crooks, the alleged would-be assassin of former President Donald Trump, conducted an extensive internet search on Ethan Crumbley, a former high school student who committed a mass shooting in Michigan last year, before carrying out his attempt on Trump's life.
According to a source familiar with the investigation, Crooks researched Crumbley's case shortly before the attempted assassination at Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. The source told Fox News Digital that Crooks' interest in Crumbley suggested a possible fascination with the perpetrator of a mass shooting.
Trump Would-Be Assassin's Dark Obsession with School Shooter Ethan Crumbley
Crumbley, now 18, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for killing four students and injuring seven others at Oxford High School in November 2021. At the time of the shooting, Crumbley was just 15 years old.
Besides researching Crumbley, Crooks' other internet search history included photos of Trump and Biden, the Democratic National Convention (DNC), and "major depressive disorder," as previously reported by The New York Times.
Trump Would-Be Assassin's Dark Obsession with School Shooter Ethan Crumbley
Investigators learned of Crooks' search history after cracking his phone, according to the Times. FBI Director Christopher Wray confirmed these findings during a congressional hearing on Wednesday, stating that the FBI conducted 200 interviews and reviewed 14,000 images from Crooks' phone as part of the investigation.
Federal officials are still working to establish a motive for Crooks' assassination attempt against Trump, which resulted in the death of former Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department chief Corey Comperatore, 50, and critically injured two others, David "Jake" Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74. The two injured individuals are currently in stable but serious condition.
Trump Would-Be Assassin's Dark Obsession with School Shooter Ethan Crumbley
Crooks also visited the rally site at least once before Saturday's shooting, according to Wray. Fox News' Chris Eberhart contributed to this report.
- Ethan Crumbley's parents, James and Jennifer Crumbley, were also convicted of involuntary manslaughter for failing to secure their guns, failing to provide their son with adequate mental health support, and failing to notify school officials of their son's concerning behavior leading up to the shooting.
Trump Would-Be Assassin's Dark Obsession with School Shooter Ethan Crumbley
- Crumbley had made disturbing drawings in class on the morning of the shooting that hinted at his violent intentions.
- Crooks' search history also included information on "depression" and "suicidal thoughts."
- Investigators are still examining Crooks' phone and social media accounts for further clues about his motivations and potential accomplices.
