Background on Thomas Matthew Crooks

Thomas Matthew Crooks was a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. Secret Service agents shot and killed Crooks during the incident.

Coded Messages and 3D Printing

In the months leading up to the assassination attempt, Crooks communicated with various contacts through coded text messages. An individual referred to by the FBI as an ‘unknown contact’ messaged Crooks on February 9, 2023, asking, ‘Did you 3D print the parts?’ Crooks replied, ‘Yes, except for the fan blades.’ The unknown contact admired the work, saying, ‘Woah that looks cool,’ and inquired more about the ‘parts,’ with responses from Crooks only partially visible due to redaction by the FBI.

Odd Messages and Drone Photos

Another series of texts between Crooks and a redacted recipient include cryptic, one- or two-word messages like ‘Hello,’ ‘Yolo,’ and ‘Red.’ These messages spanned from May 21, 2023, to January 3, 2024. Additionally, Crooks took 40 drone photos between February 6, 2024, and February 27, 2024, capturing images of PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium, the homes to Pittsburgh’s major sports teams.

3D Printing and Firearm Creation

Crooks had a fondness for 3D printing. According to documents obtained by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Chuck Grassley, Crooks attempted to create a Glock 19 handgun using a 3D printer. His father, Matthew Crooks, reported this attempt and revealed his son created the firearm using carbon fiber plastic, a dryer, and a toaster oven. Fearing the weapon would explode, Matthew forbade its use.

Impact of the Assassination Attempt

During the assassination attempt, two civilians were killed. Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old fire chief, died shielding his family from gunfire. James Copenhaver, a 76-year-old veteran, sustained serious injuries to his triceps and vital organs. Although he was released from the hospital a week after the shooting, complications led to his death on September 23, 2026.

Calls for Transparency

Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton has urged the FBI to release the full investigative records without redactions. Fitton emphasized the need for transparency, especially considering Copenhaver’s recent death due to complications from the shooting.