Thomas Matthew Crooks: Details of Attempted Assassination Revealed

Background on the Assassination Attempt

Thomas Matthew Crooks made headlines after his failed attempt to assassinate former President Donald Trump on July 13, 2024, during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Crooks was later shot and killed by Secret Service agents while trying to carry out the attack.

Unusual Communication Patterns

According to records acquired by Judicial Watch, Crooks communicated through cryptic text messages months before the incident. An FBI-described “unknown contact” messaged him about 3D printing parts in February 2023. Crooks confirmed printing all parts except fan blades. This led to more cryptic exchanges with another redacted contact, featuring repeated words and numbers without apparent context.

“Hello … Hello red …Hello red … Hdudhdbdbbd … 7888ejdj … Yolo … Ddodjjf … 890 … Hdjd … Djdj … red … Yup red … Hello … Jhhhuuh … Hhdj … Jjjjjjjjjjjj … Hello red … Red red,” Crooks’ messages read.

Parcel from Hong Kong and Drone Photos

Crooks received a package from Hong Kong notified by DHL, as uncovered by Judicial Watch. Documents also revealed drone photos taken by Crooks between February 6, 2024, and February 27, 2024. The locations included PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.

3D Printing and Weapon Creation

Reports from the New York Post and documents from Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley further detailed Crooks’ interest in 3D printing. His father confirmed he attempted to create a Glock 19 handgun using carbon fiber plastic, along with household items like a dryer and toaster oven. Due to safety concerns, Crooks was prohibited by his father from using the gun.

Impact of the Assassination Attempt

While Crooks’ attempt to kill Trump failed, it resulted in the tragic deaths of two civilians. Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old fire chief, died shielding his family. James Copenhaver, a 76-year-old veteran, suffered critical injuries, later dying from complications in 2026.

Trump, grazed by a bullet, was quickly escorted offstage by Secret Service agents. Despite the chaos, the rally’s outcome highlighted ongoing threats faced by Trump and underlined security concerns.

Call for Full Disclosure

Judicial Watch president, Tom Fitton, urged the FBI to release the complete investigative record surrounding Crooks. Fitton stated that the “death last week of James Copenhaver” emphasized the need for more transparency and understanding of the events.