FBI have uncovered a troubling detail about Thomas Crooks, the 20-year-old charged with attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump. Before the violent incident, Crooks conducted a final search for pornography on his cell phone, according to a senior law enforcement source who spoke to the Daily Beast.
The FBI’s Operational Technology Division in Quantico, Virginia, accessed the encrypted contents of Crooks’ Samsung phone after a complex investigation. Initially, the Pittsburgh field office struggled to unlock the device, leading to its transport to Quantico for further analysis. Alongside the disturbing search history, the only other recent activity found on the phone were messages from Crooks’ parents, who believed he had gone to a local shooting range with his AR-style rifle.
This discrepancy highlights a stark contrast between Crooks’ public behavior and his hidden intentions. While the search for pornography might seem unrelated to the assassination attempt, it raises questions about Crooks’ mental and emotional state leading up to the incident.
Despite having no prior criminal record, Crooks’ motives remain under scrutiny. Initial reports suggest he harbored deep-seated grievances that drove him to target Trump. The FBI is focusing on understanding any potential connections between his online activities and the attack.
Crooks’ attempt to harm Trump was thwarted at a public event, and he was swiftly apprehended. He now faces multiple charges related to the assassination attempt. This case underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in the digital age, particularly with encrypted devices that obscure the full scope of an individual’s actions.
The disclosure of Crooks’ final phone search is expected to fuel further analysis and discussion as the legal proceedings continue. Understanding his background and the factors leading to his drastic actions remains crucial for piecing together the full narrative of this high-profile case. As the investigation progresses, the focus will be on ensuring justice and uncovering any additional motives behind this attempt on a prominent figure’s life.