FBI: Would-be Trump assassin prepped long-range shot day before attack

New, unclassified FBI files reveal 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, who opened fire at a July 2024 Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, had become obsessed with guns and trained for long-range shots, including a reported 100-yard attempt the day before the attack. The 600-page collection of interviews with relatives, neighbors, and teachers shows a pattern of gun hobbyist behavior, crediting Crooks’ father with his Covid-era fixation on firearms. Crooks was killed by Secret Service agents at the scene after Trump was targeted. The documents also describe Crooks’ background, including his education, work, and interests, shedding light on his motivations and preparation for the assassination attempt.