Technology Complicates Investigation into Trump Assassination Attempt

## **Technology Complicates Investigation into Trump Assassination Attempt**

Former FBI agent Ashton Packe discusses the modern challenge of accessing digital evidence in the investigation into the assassination attempt on former President Trump, highlighting the difficulties posed by encrypted devices.

Technology Complicates Investigation into Trump Assassination Attempt

The assassination attempt on former President Trump has sparked a complex investigation, and modern technology presents significant challenges in unraveling the perpetrator's motive. Former FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force member Ashton Packe sheds light on the roadblocks faced by investigators in gaining access to the suspect's cellphone.

"Today in modern day America, criminal investigations just inherently require the access or the use of these digital devices," Packe explains. "No crime is committed without the criminal having evidence on a cellphone or some kind of digital device."

Technology Complicates Investigation into Trump Assassination Attempt

However, gaining access to encrypted devices proves to be particularly difficult. "Getting into an encrypted locked device, in today's age, is incredibly difficult," Packe says. "Certain companies, like Apple, can get into any of these devices."

Accessing Crooks' locked phone, Packe suggests, may require the assistance of "foreign adversaries" or "foreign nation state people." "Are there parts of the government where you can probably get into certain phones? Absolutely," he says. "But that involves non-U.S. citizens and outside the continental United States."

Technology Complicates Investigation into Trump Assassination Attempt

Packe emphasizes that such access involves "high-level spy games" that are typically beyond the reach of civilian law enforcement in the United States. "You're talking high-level spy games there," he says.

The FBI's attempts to decrypt Crooks' cellphone may face a "catch-22," according to Packe. "They might be able to get into it, which is a catch-22," he says. "Here in the United States, we all have the right to privacy and the right to be safe and secure in our person – and that is guaranteed under the Fourth Amendment."

Technology Complicates Investigation into Trump Assassination Attempt

"So law enforcement has to get a search warrant for that, but civilian law enforcement won't be able to find out what's in there unless they have that passcode," he explains.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek has indicated that preliminary information suggests Crooks acted alone and that there are no current public safety concerns. The FBI has not disclosed the service provider of Crooks' phone.

Technology Complicates Investigation into Trump Assassination Attempt

House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan and ranking member Jerry Nadler have received an FBI briefing on Crooks' phone, indicating the ongoing efforts to uncover the circumstances surrounding the assassination attempt.

Modern technology poses significant challenges in investigating complex crimes. The encryption of digital devices, in particular, can make it difficult to access crucial evidence, requiring sophisticated measures and potential assistance from non-U.S. entities. The investigation into the Trump assassination attempt highlights the ongoing tension between privacy and the pursuit of justice in the digital age.

Technology Complicates Investigation into Trump Assassination Attempt