[REVISION HISTORY]

Investigation into Donald Trump assassination attempt

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2026-10-02 23:23 UTC → 2026-10-03 15:14 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Investigations into the July 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, have yielded new details regarding the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, through newly released FBI documents and FOIA requests. Recent findings reveal that Crooks engaged in discussions regarding 3D-printed firearm parts. In a February 2023 exchange, an unknown contact asked, “Did you 3D print the parts?”, to which Crooks reportedly replied, “Yes, except for the fan blades.” His father, Matthew Crooks, informed investigators that his son once constructed a Glock 19 using carbon fiber plastic, a dryer, and a toaster oven; Matthew Crooks noted he test-fired the weapon once but stopped due to fears the plastic frame might explode. Digital evidence continues to expand, confirming Crooks used the encrypted email service Mailfence and maintained a Snapchat account under the username ‘tom_crooks19’. Previous reports established his use of the ‘Bob Dole’ pseudonym for purchasing rifle parts and his use of privacy tools like BraveNet and Cyber Ghost VPN. Additionally, records describe a heavily redacted chat thread between Crooks and an unidentified recipient occurring 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 various locations in Western Pennsylvania, including PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium. Other disclosures include a DHL shipment notification for a package sent from Hong Kong. Regarding his personal history, Crooks’ father reportedly attempted to prevent his son from accessing firearms in May 2024. Witnesses also reported Crooks made hateful comments about Trump prior to the event. ~~A task force report noted it was previously unaware that federal authorities had interviewed the Crooks family.~~ Controversy remains over the rapid cremation of Crooks, funded by an anonymous donor. Representative Clay Higgins has criticized the move as an ‘obstruction to any following investigative effort.’ Donald Trump continues to characterize the attempt as a ‘Democratic plot.’

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