Trump Gunman Searched About JFK Assassination Week Before Rally, FBI Director Reveals

The FBI director disclosed that Thomas Matthew Crooks, who attempted to assassinate former President Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania, searched about the JFK assassination a week before the event.

FBI Director Christopher Wray testified before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, revealing that the Trump gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, had searched "how far away was Oswald from Kennedy?" on Google a week before the Pennsylvania rally.

Pennsylvania State Police commissioner, Col. Christopher Paris, testified before the House Homeland Security Committee that at least two other suspicious individuals were spotted at the rally before Crooks launched his attack on former President Trump.

Trump Gunman Searched About JFK Assassination Week Before Rally, FBI Director Reveals

Experts indicate that reports of "suspicious" or "unusual" individuals at Secret Service events are common. However, actual "threats" are rare, and Crooks is believed to have acted alone.

Crooks initially appeared without a weapon, but authorities deemed him suspicious due to his suspicious behavior, including carrying a backpack and moving around outside the rally's perimeter. Officers approached him, but he ran off.

Trump Gunman Searched About JFK Assassination Week Before Rally, FBI Director Reveals

Paris questioned why the Secret Service did not focus their counter-sniper teams on the building from which Crooks fired, as they had been told it was covered. Authorities confirmed that Crooks was on the roof for three minutes before opening fire.

FBI analysis of Crooks' electronic devices revealed that he had been researching prior presidential assassinations, including the assassination of John F. Kennedy. The FBI believes his focus on former President Trump and the rally intensified around July 6.

Trump Gunman Searched About JFK Assassination Week Before Rally, FBI Director Reveals

Former President Trump stated that the Secret Service did not inform him of any suspicious individuals lurking near the rally before he walked on stage.

U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned following bipartisan calls for her dismissal.

Trump Gunman Searched About JFK Assassination Week Before Rally, FBI Director Reveals

The FBI is actively investigating the shooting, treating it as an attempted assassination of Trump. The investigation includes examining physical evidence and electronic devices belonging to Crooks.

Crooks' actions resulted in the death of a 50-year-old bystander, Corey Comperatore, and injuries to two others, David Dutch and James Copenhaver. Trump, who ducked for cover, sustained an ear injury.

Trump Gunman Searched About JFK Assassination Week Before Rally, FBI Director Reveals