Donald Trump to Participate in FBI Interview Following Assassination Attempt

WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump has agreed to take part in an FBI interview related to an attempt on his life, an FBI official announced on Monday.

The interview aligns with standard procedures the FBI follows for any crime victim, the official stated.

The FBI’s investigation revealed that the suspect, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was an intelligent individual with limited social connections beyond his family. His interest in weaponry was increasing, but his exact motive remains unclear. The bureau has conducted numerous interviews and sought data about his online presence from various companies, including his gaming activities. His search history included details about the assassination attempt on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico earlier this year, as well as mass shootings and power plants. Notably, Crooks had also searched for information about the distance between Lee Harvey Oswald and President John F. Kennedy during the latter’s assassination, just a week before the attack on Trump.

Investigators discovered a receipt for a ladder on Crooks' person, although the ladder itself was not present at the rally. Crooks also utilized a drone prior to the attack, but no footage was found on the device.

During the incident, Crooks fired eight shots within seconds after a police officer tried to approach him on the roof. According to the FBI and law enforcement sources, Crooks aimed his weapon at the officer before opening fire.

Crooks had meticulously planned the attack, ensuring his intentions remained hidden, an official reported during a briefing. This update came over two weeks after the July 13th attempt on Trump’s life.

FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate mentioned that the bureau has been tirelessly working on this case. Despite typically not providing regular updates on ongoing investigations, officials felt it was crucial for the public to be informed in this instance.

Following the attack, U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned, and the Senate is scheduled to hold a hearing this week involving the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security.

Abbate emphasized that the FBI’s priority is uncovering the facts surrounding the attack on Trump, as well as the murder of Corey Comperatore and the injuries to others present at the rally.

FBI Director Christopher Wray informed Congress last week about ongoing debates on whether Trump was hit by a bullet or shrapnel, which has fueled conspiracy theories about the shooting.

Kevin Rojek, the FBI agent overseeing the Pittsburgh office, confirmed that Trump was struck by a bullet, either whole or fragmented. He also noted that Crooks had gone to great lengths to hide his activities.

Rojek reiterated that Crooks was a solitary figure and there was no evidence of him receiving mental health treatment or institutionalization. The investigation has faced challenges accessing some of Crooks' accounts due to his use of encrypted communication apps, an FBI official added.

"Encryption has posed significant obstacles in this investigation," said FBI official Bobby Wells.