(NewsWorthy.news.com) – As questions continue swirling about the events surrounding the failed assassination attempt of former president Donald Trump, the head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has shared some key details.
Christopher Wray testified before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday July 24, revealing new information the agency has learned about the 20-year-old shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks. The young man opened fire from a rooftop near a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, narrowly missing sending a bullet through Trump’s head while striking three attendees, one of whom died at the scene.
Crooks was shot dead by federal agents who apprehended him on the roof. Since the incident, the United States Secret Service (USSS) has been under fire for failing to provide adequate security on that day, leading to the resignation of its director.
As investigation into the attack continues, FBI Director Wray told Congress that three explosive devices have been uncovered, all of which are suspected to have belonged to the shooter. Two of them were located inside his car, found near the rally site, and another in his home. The devices were described as “relatively crude” but still dangerous.
The bombs were designed to be detonated with a remote control. Although keeping additional details about the nature of the explosives quiet, Wray did share that the FBI had determined Crooks did not try to detonate them prior to being shot down by government snipers. The remote detonator was with the shooter when he opened fire towards the stage.
Additionally, Wray told lawmakers that while his agents had accessed the shooter’s cell phone, they were still having trouble getting into all its contents due to the advanced encryption Crooks used with messaging apps. The FBI is reportedly not convinced that Crooks was working alone.
Wray also said that federal investigators have located the drone used by the shooter to scout out the rally site before taking action. Both the controller for the drone and the device itself were kept in Crooks’ car when the shooting occurred.
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