Thomas Matthew Crooks, who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024, sent a range of peculiar and coded messages in the months prior to the incident, as revealed by records obtained by Judicial Watch.
In one exchange on February 9, 2023, an individual labeled as an “unknown contact” asked Crooks, “Did you 3D print the parts?” Crooks replied, “Yes, except for the fan blades.” The contact then expressed excitement at the work Crooks was doing, although the FBI redacted parts of Crooks’ messages that followed.
The behavior of Crooks has raised concerns among GOP lawmakers, who described the revelations as “awfully strange.” Further investigation into Crooks’ communications uncovered a series of bizarre one- or two-word texts exchanged with a redacted individual between May 21, 2023, and January 3, 2024. The messages included odd repetitions and nonsensical phrases such as, “Hello… Hello red… Hdudhdbdbbd… Yolo…” Any replies from the other party were redacted.
Additionally, the records highlighted a notification from DHL regarding a package Crooks received from Hong Kong. A released document also detailed that Crooks sent approximately 40 drone photos taken between February 6, 2024, and February 27, 2024, showcasing various locations including local sports venues.
It had been previously reported that Crooks had attempted to use his 3D printer to make a Glock 19 handgun, as shared by his father, Matthew Crooks, during investigations. He described how Thomas created the firearm using carbon fiber plastic along with a dryer and a toaster oven, but he was advised against using it due to safety concerns.
During the assassination attempt, Crooks did not succeed in killing Trump, but two innocent bystanders were killed. Corey Comperatore, a fire chief, lost his life while trying to shield his family from bullets. Another victim, James Copenhaver, a 76-year-old veteran, suffered significant injuries and ultimately passed away from complications related to those injuries on September 23, 2026.
Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton commented on the new records, emphasizing the need for the FBI to provide comprehensive and unredacted investigative information, especially following Copenhaver’s death, which sustained further attention on the assassination attempt against Trump.
