New Insights on Thomas Crooks, Alleged Assailant of Trump

The online presence of Thomas Crooks, the individual who allegedly attempted to assassinate President Donald Trump, reveals a narrative that contrasts sharply with what the FBI has conveyed to Congress, as noted by columnist Miranda Devine during her appearance on American Report.

Devine expressed skepticism, stating, “We were led to believe that Thomas Crooks was a ghost, with no discernible motive from his digital footprint.” However, she pointed out that one source had provided insights from 17 different online accounts belonging to Crooks.

In her op-ed, Devine called for clarification from the FBI and Secret Service about the circumstances leading to the apprehension of Crooks in Butler, Pennsylvania. His incident occurred on July 13, 2024, when Crooks fired eight shots at Trump from a rooftop during a rally, tragically resulting in the death of firefighter Corey Comparator and wounding Trump along with two others.

She also drew parallels between Crooks and Tyler Robinson, who has been charged in connection with the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. “Both cases share certain similarities,” she noted. “Crooks’ accounts delve into various online platforms, including DeviantArt, which is known for its community surrounding the furry subculture.” This aspect, she mentioned, adds a layer of complexity to the investigations.

Devine highlighted that the scammers used they/them pronouns on their profiles. Interestingly, she remarked on a significant shift in Crooks’ political stance, stating, “In January 2020, his ideology underwent a drastic change.” She elaborated that his online comments tracked a disturbing evolution from being pro-Trump to exhibiting intense anti-Trump sentiments, noting that around August 2020, his online activity abruptly ceased.

Former FBI Deputy Director Paul Abate, addressing Congress in July 2024, characterized Crooks’ remarks as reflecting themes of anti-Semitism and anti-immigrant sentiment, positing that he harbored beliefs in political violence. Devine questioned whether the FBI had fully explored or disclosed pertinent information related to Crooks’ online behavior, suggesting that there may be more beneath the surface than has been publicly addressed.