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Thomas Crooks' FBI records reveal 3D-printed firearm texts and cryptic chats
Newly released FBI records, obtained by Judicial Watch through a Freedom of Information Act request, provide new details regarding Thomas Matthew Crooks, the individual who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024.
The documents reveal that Crooks exchanged text messages with an unidentified contact in February 2023 regarding 3D-printed firearm parts. In one exchange, an unknown contact asked, “Did you 3D print the parts?” to which Crooks replied, “Yes, except for the fan blades.” Additionally, records describe a separate, heavily redacted chat thread between Crooks and another unidentified recipient that occurred between May 2023 and January 2024, consisting largely of cryptic, one- or two-word messages.
Investigative files also include 40 drone photos taken by Crooks in early 2024 of locations in Western Pennsylvania, including PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium. Other disclosures include a DHL shipment notification for a package sent from Hong Kong and details from Crooks' father, Matthew, who previously told investigators that his son had used a 3D printer, a dryer, and a toaster oven to construct a Glock 19.
Entities
Butler, Pennsylvania · Donald Trump · FBI · Judicial Watch · Matthew Crooks · Thomas Crooks · Thomas Matthew Crooks
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 8 SOURCES] The FBI identified the newly released electronic communications as pertinent to the investigation of the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt on Donald Trump. pulptastic.com · thepatriotchronicles.com · legitgov.org · justthenews.com · www.lifezette.com · +2 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Crooks took aerial photos of PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium in Western Pennsylvania in early 2024. legitgov.org · www.foxnews.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Judicial Watch obtained the 249 pages of FBI records through a Freedom of Information Act request. thepatriotchronicles.com · www.lifezette.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Crooks engaged in a chat thread with an unidentified recipient consisting of brief, cryptic messages between May 2023 and January 2024. thepatriotchronicles.com · legitgov.org · www.lifezette.com · www.foxnews.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Records identified a DHL shipment notification for a package delivered from Hong Kong to Crooks. thepatriotchronicles.com · www.foxnews.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Thomas Crooks exchanged messages with an unknown contact in February 2023 regarding 3D-printed parts. pulptastic.com · www.foxnews.com · nypost.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Investigators recovered 40 drone photos and eight flight logs connected to the investigation. thepatriotchronicles.com · www.lifezette.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Thomas Crooks' father stated his son once constructed a Glock 19 using carbon fiber plastic, a dryer, and a toaster oven. pulptastic.com · nypost.com