FBI Director Christopher Wray testified before a House committee on Wednesday, providing new details about the shooting that occurred at a Donald Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pa. Thomas Crooks, the shooter, may have possessed a collapsible stock weapon, which could explain why he did not appear armed on the ground before climbing to a nearby roof.
Wray emphasized that this was not a final conclusion, as the investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Crooks had reportedly come into focus for the shooter on July 6, after which he performed a web search related to the distance Lee Harvey Oswald was from President John F. Kennedy during the 1963 assassination in Dallas. Initial analysis of Crooks' laptop revealed references to "foreign public figures," although specific individuals were not named.
The shooting, which the FBI is investigating as an act of domestic terrorism and an attempted assassination, resulted in the death of one rallygoer and serious injuries to two others. Following bipartisan pressure, U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned from her position due to the agency's failure to prevent the shooting.
Officials recovered "relatively crude" explosive devices from Crooks' vehicle in Butler and his home in Bethel Park. Additionally, Crooks had a transmitter on his person, although it is unclear if the devices would have resulted in explosions if activated.
Wray also mentioned that Crooks had photos of Trump, President Joe Biden, and other officials on his phone, as well as information about the Democratic National Convention and Trump's appearances. Despite not leaving a significant online footprint, Crooks had at times used encrypted messaging apps for communication.
During the hearing, Wray condemned harmful rhetoric and threats directed at politicians, lawyers, judges, and election officials. He also faced questions about FBI reform and the agency's relationship with the current administration.
Overall, the investigation into the shooting continues, with authorities working to understand the motivations and actions of the shooter.