The FBI on Wednesday released new details and four new photos from its ongoing investigation into the attempted assassination of President Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. They claim they have yet to identify a motive or evidence that Crooks did not act alone.
Kevin Rojek, head of the FBI's Pittsburgh field office, explained during a briefing that investigators believe Crooks engaged in “detailed attack planning.” Rojek added that Crooks became “hyper-focused” on Trump's rally once it was announced, and the FBI found a “mixture of ideologies” associated with the gunman.
Rojek revealed that starting in September 2023, an online account linked to Crooks began searching for Trump campaign events in Pennsylvania. From April to July 2024, Crooks looked up information on campaign events for both Trump and Biden. After Trump's Butler rally was announced, he researched specifics about the venue, including details like the “Butler farm show podium.”
Investigators also uncovered evidence of Crooks' earlier searches on explosive devices, detonating cords, fertilizer bombs, and how remote detonators work, dating back to 2019. Antisemitic comments linked to an account associated with him were also found. The FBI is still working to confirm if Crooks personally posted this language.
The first of the newly released photos shows the AR-style rifle Crooks used, which was made by DPMS Panther Arms. The gun was equipped with an optical sight attached to its rail, and an extendible rear stick.
The second image displays the rifle broken down next to a backpack Crooks wore during the attack. FBI Director Chris Wray noted last month that the gun's collapsible stock may explain why rally attendees didn’t initially spot it.
The third photo reveals two improvised explosive devices found in Crooks’ car trunk. Though the remote detonation receiver was in the “off” position, the FBI highlighted several construction flaws in the devices. Wray had previously testified that three devices were recovered—two from Crooks’ vehicle and one from his home.
The final image depicts the air conditioning unit Crooks used to access the roof of the AGR building, where he opened fire. This photo, taken during a post-attack tour of the site, is not considered evidence.
