Federal investigators have released previously classified documents detailing the background of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024.
The newly unclassified FBI files, comprising some 600 pages of interviews and investigative reports, paint a troubling picture of a young man who became increasingly fixated on firearms and long-range shooting in the years preceding the attack.
According to the federal documents, Crooks spent the day before the assassination attempt at the Clairton Sportsmen’s Club in Clairton, Pennsylvania, where he maintained a regular practice schedule, attending approximately once per week. A witness at the club reported observing Crooks practicing a 100-yard shot on that final day before the Butler rally.
The documents include extensive interviews with Crooks’ family members, neighbors, educators, and acquaintances. His father, Matthew Crooks, told federal investigators that his son developed his interest in firearms during the Covid-19 pandemic. The elder Crooks described his son as initially being a poor marksman who improved substantially through diligent practice over a five-year period.
Employees at Keystone Shooting Center outside Pittsburgh, where Crooks enrolled in basic and intermediate handgun courses, described him in unflattering terms to investigators. One staff member characterized him as socially awkward and someone parents would be uncomfortable having their children associate with.
In the months preceding the Butler rally, Crooks systematically acquired firearms and ammunition. His father revealed to investigators that Crooks ordered gun parts online using the pseudonym Bob Dole, demonstrating a level of premeditation in concealing his activities.
Family members described Crooks as increasingly isolated and emotionally detached. His father noted that despite regular arguments, his son rarely displayed emotional reactions. Matthew Crooks also observed that while his son perfected his shooting skills, he showed no interest in hunting or other outdoor activities typically associated with firearms enthusiasts.
Classmates and acquaintances painted a portrait of an intelligent young man with particular interests in American history. The engineering student could reportedly name all United States presidents and enjoyed discussing New Deal policies.
The attack at the Butler Farm Show grounds resulted in one fatality and two additional injuries before Crooks was neutralized. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, who has reviewed the complete FBI documentation, acknowledged that investigators still cannot definitively explain Crooks’ motivation for targeting the former president.
The release of these documents represents the most comprehensive look yet at the would-be assassin’s background and preparation. However, the fundamental question of why this young man chose to commit such an act remains unanswered, leaving investigators and the public without the clarity that might prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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