Investigators working to determine a motive behind the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump found a message posted to the gaming platform Steam that they believe was authored by the suspect, in which he said that “July 13 will be my premiere, watch as it unfolds,” according to three law enforcement sources briefed on the probe.
Investigators also have found on the phone of Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, internet searches for both Trump and President Joe Biden, sources familiar with the investigation told ABC News. The suspect had searched for the dates of Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and for those of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the sources said.
The suspect’s phone was one of several devices that law enforcement investigators had collected, as they worked to piece together a timeline of the assassination attempt against the former president during a Saturday rally.
The Butler Farm Show, site of a campaign rally for Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, is seen Monday July 15, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Gene J. Puskar/AP
The FBI early on Sunday had identified Crooks as the suspect. The U.S. Secret Service said snipers had killed Crooks the scene. Firefighter Corey Comperatore, a dad who was attending the rally, was killed, and two other bystanders injured, officials said.
The searches compounded the questions that were swirling as investigators searched for a reason for the shooting, including a possible political motive. Crooks had been registered as a Republican voter, according to state records. But a $15 donation to a progressive group was also recorded under “Thomas Crooks” in January 2021, according to FEC records.
A view of police tape near the home of 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, named by the FBI as the “subject involved” in the attempted assassination of former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, U.S. July 16, 2024.
Carlos Osorio/Reuters
As investigators analyzed the suspect’s phone, they looked at his search history, which included the queries for Trump and Biden. But that search history didn’t immediately appear to reveal Crooks’ political views, sources told ABC News.
Law enforcement officials investigating the assassination attempt told lawmakers on Wednesday that 20 minutes had passed between the time Secret Service snipers first spotted Crooks on a rooftop and the time the first shots were fired, according to several law enforcement officials and lawmakers briefed on the matter.
Officials said the snipers spotted the suspect, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, on the roof of a building outside the security zone at the rally Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania, at 5:52 p.m. ET. The shooting happened at 6:12 p.m. ET, 20 minutes later, the sources said.
Sources have revealed that the gunman responsible for the recent shooting at a Trump rally left a chilling message on a gaming platform before carrying out the violent attack. This revelation has sparked concerns about the potential influence of online communities on individuals who may be susceptible to radicalization or violent ideologies.
The message left by the gunman, whose identity has not been disclosed by authorities, reportedly expressed support for extremist beliefs and hinted at plans for a violent act. The content of the message has not been made public, but it has raised questions about the role of online platforms in facilitating and promoting dangerous ideologies.
Gaming platforms, in particular, have come under scrutiny for their potential to serve as breeding grounds for radicalization. These platforms provide a virtual space where individuals can communicate anonymously and form connections based on shared interests, including violent ideologies. The anonymity and lack of oversight on many gaming platforms make them attractive to individuals seeking to spread extremist beliefs and recruit others to their cause.
The revelation of the gunman’s message on a gaming platform highlights the need for increased vigilance and monitoring of online communities. Law enforcement agencies and tech companies must work together to identify and address potential threats posed by individuals who use online platforms to promote violence and extremism.
Furthermore, it is essential for parents, educators, and mental health professionals to be aware of the signs of radicalization and to intervene early to prevent individuals from being drawn into dangerous ideologies. By promoting critical thinking skills, fostering open communication, and providing support to vulnerable individuals, we can work together to combat the spread of violent extremism in online spaces.
In conclusion, the message left by the gunman on a gaming platform before the shooting at the Trump rally serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by online communities. It is crucial for all stakeholders to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the spread of extremist ideologies in virtual spaces. By working together, we can create a safer and more secure online environment for all individuals.
