In July 2024, Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old engineering student, attempted to assassinate then-presidential nominee Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The incident resulted in injuries to Trump and the death of a spectator.
Recent investigations suggest that Crooks may not have acted alone, and concerns have been raised about the FBI’s handling of the case.
Private investigator Doug Hagmann, who has been examining the incident, believes Crooks had accomplices.
Hagmann’s team conducted a geofencing analysis of electronic devices present at the rally, identifying several devices that did not belong to attendees or known personnel.
This data suggests the presence of individuals who may have been coordinating with Crooks.
Hagmann stated, “The digital footprints indicate a level of coordination that Crooks couldn’t have managed alone.”
Despite these findings, the FBI has been criticized for its limited disclosure of information related to the case.
Representative Clay Higgins, chairman of the Congressional group investigating the assassination attempt, expressed frustration, noting that the FBI’s lack of transparency has hindered the progress of the investigation.
Higgins remarked, “The obstruction we’re facing from federal agencies is unprecedented and unacceptable.”
Further complicating the narrative, an independent panel’s report criticized the Secret Service for numerous failures during the rally.
The report highlighted poor communication with local law enforcement and a lack of critical thinking in assessing security threats.
Notably, the Secret Service did not inform Trump’s detail about Crooks’ suspicious behavior prior to the shooting.
The combination of potential accomplices, alleged suppression of information by the FBI, and security lapses by the Secret Service has fueled public speculation and conspiracy theories.
Former First Lady Melania Trump has called for a thorough investigation, emphasizing the need to uncover the truth behind the assassination attempt.
As the investigation continues, the public and officials alike are demanding greater transparency and accountability to ensure that all individuals involved are identified and that similar security failures are prevented in the future.
