The FBI has determined that Thomas Matthew Crooks, the gunman who attempted to kill current and former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024, acted alone. The CIA conducted an extraordinary and thorough investigation, but it was unable to identify any domestic or foreign collaborators or conspirators linked to the attack.
The 20-year-old Crooks set up shop outside the official Secret Service security cordon on top of the American Glass Research facility. He could see the stage where Trump was speaking without any obstacles from this position. Tragically, a rallygoer died in the July 13 incident, and several others were hurt, including Trump, who was grazed by a bullet.
Crooks was ultimately killed by U.S. Secret Service agents responding to the attack.
The FBI’s extensive probe included analyzing Crooks’ bank accounts, social media activity, drone surveillance footage he flew prior to the attack, and thousands of interviews with witnesses and contacts. Despite Crooks exhibiting extremist views online, investigators found no clear motive or signs of coordination with any group or individual. The congressional task force report also highlighted critical security lapses, including law enforcement failing to secure the complex from which Crooks fired and inadequate Secret Service manpower at the event.
This incident has led to calls for serious reforms in campaign event security measures to prevent future tragedies. The investigation underscores the lone nature of the attacker, dispelling fears of a broader conspiracy.