FBI Director Christopher Wray informed House lawmakers that the FBI had no prior information about the shooter involved in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13.
During the hearing, Wray stated that the individual, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, was not in the FBI's database before the incident occurred. Responding to a question from Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., Wray confirmed that a comprehensive search was conducted across all FBI records, and Crooks was not found in any of them.
This revelation sheds light on the lack of prior knowledge or intelligence on the individual responsible for the assassination attempt. The FBI's thorough search through its holdings underscores the agency's efforts to investigate and gather information on potential threats.
The incident in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the attempted assassination took place, has raised concerns about security protocols and the identification of individuals who may pose a threat to public figures. The FBI's acknowledgment of not having any information on Crooks prior to the shooting highlights the challenges law enforcement agencies face in preventing such acts of violence.
As the investigation into the assassination attempt continues, the FBI's efforts to gather intelligence and track individuals involved in such incidents will be crucial in ensuring the safety and security of public officials and the general public.
