The FBI has provided further details on Thomas Crooks following criticism regarding its lack of transparency in the investigation.
In July 2024, Crooks attempted to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. Although he managed to shoot Trump in the ear, the injuries were not severe, and the Secret Service quickly intervened to remove Trump from the scene after being struck.
Crooks was ultimately fatally shot by the Secret Service after being found on the roof of a nearby structure.
More than a year after the event, which resulted in the death of rally-goer Corey Comperatore, the FBI has released limited information regarding the investigation into Crooks.
This has led to accusations against the agency of withholding information.
Among those critical of the FBI is Tucker Carlson.
During a podcast earlier this month, Carlson stated (via The Independent): “Thomas Crooks came within a quarter inch of destroying this country, and yet, a year and a half later, we still know almost nothing about him or why he did it.”
Carlson continued, “That’s because, for some reason, the FBI, even the current FBI, doesn’t want us to know.”
In response to the criticism, the FBI has now disclosed more about the investigation, confirming that the 20-year-old gunman acted independently.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino informed Fox News that ‘it is the FBI’s conclusion that Crooks acted alone’.
Addressing speculation about foreign involvement, it was clarified: “There is no foreign connection in this case. There is no individual that is outside US borders or inside US borders that had any role in directing him, inspiring him, or assisting him in any way — and that includes foreign governments.”
Bongino also addressed the ongoing questions about the motives behind Crooks’ actions.
“We have reviewed this case over and over — looked into every nugget,” he emphasized. “We have spoken to the families, the president — there is no cover-up here. There is no motive for it, there is no reason for it.”
More than 400 individuals were reportedly involved in the investigation ‘in some way, shape, or form,’ and agents from around the world ‘conducted more than 1,000 interviews connected to this case’.
The case is currently marked as ‘pending’ and ‘inactive,’ according to a senior official who spoke to Fox News under the condition of anonymity.