16 Jul 2024

FBI says it has gained access to Trump shooting suspect's phone

8:05 am on 16 July 2024

By Sarah N Lynch, Reuters

An undated image obtained 14 July, 2024 shows a driver's license photograph of Thomas Matthew Crooks,the suspected shooter of former US President Donald Trump. Donald Trump said that it was divine intervention that helped him survive an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, on 13 July, 2024 and called on Americans to unite. (Photo by HANDOUT / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO /   HANDOUT" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

Thomas Matthew Crooks. Photo: AFP / HANDOUT

The FBI said on Monday (local time) it has gained access to the phone of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the suspect in the shooting of former president Donald Trump, as it continues to investigate his motive for the crime.

The FBI stressed that its investigation into Saturday's shooting, which is being treated as both an assassination attempt and potential domestic terrorism, is still in its early stages.

"FBI technical specialists successfully gained access to Thomas Matthew Crooks' phone, and they continue to analyse his electronic devices," the FBI said in a statement.

"The search of the subject's residence and vehicle are complete."

Police continue to block roads around the home of Thomas Matthew Crooks as the FBI continues its investigation into the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, on July 14, 2024. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential candidate, was shot in the ear July 13 in the opening minutes of his campaign rally in Butler. 
Rivals Joe Biden and Donald Trump urged Americans to show unity on July 14, after an assassination attempt on the Republican that the FBI said was carried out by a shooter with a legally-bought semi-automatic rifle. (Photo by Rebecca DROKE / AFP)

Law enforcement agencies at the home of Thomas Matthew Crooks. Photo: AFP

The bureau added that it has conducted nearly 100 interviews with law enforcement personnel, event attendees and other witnesses.

In a call with reporters on Sunday, FBI officials said they had still not yet been able to attribute an ideology or find evidence of a motive for the shooting.

The AR-style 556 rifle used by the shooter was legally purchased by his father and officials said there was no indication that the suspect suffered from any mental health issues.

They added that a preliminary review of recent calls and texts by the shooter did not shed any light on his motive, or on whether others may have had prior knowledge of his plans.

Trump's right ear was grazed by a bullet in the shooting at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania in which one supporter was killed and two others were wounded before Secret Service agents shot dead 20-year-old Crooks.

- Reuters

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