Trump to be Interviewed by FBI in Connection with Pennsylvania Rally Shooting Investigation

Donald Trump has agreed to be interviewed by the FBI as part of their ongoing investigation into an assassination attempt at his rally in Pennsylvania earlier this month. In a call with reporters on Monday, the FBI did not specify a date for the interview but described it as “a standard victim interview we do for any other victim of crime.”

FBI Special Agent Kevin Rojek stated, “We want to get his perspective on what he observed.” Despite extensive evidence review, investigators have yet to determine a motive behind Thomas Matthew Crooks’ decision to open fire on July 13.

Newly released text messages have revealed that the 20-year-old suspect was identified by a local SWAT team more than 90 minutes before the shooting—much earlier than previously reported. On Monday, the FBI indicated that Crooks conducted “careful planning” before the July 13 rally and made “significant efforts” to conceal his activities.

According to Mr. Rojek, Crooks’ preparations included six purchases of components for explosive devices, carried out in a manner that would have “significantly raised the suspicions of his parents.” While the FBI’s investigation is primarily focused on Crooks and his motivations, rather than security lapses, Mr. Rojek mentioned that investigators believe Crooks arrived at the venue at 13:50 on the day of the shooting and flew a drone around the area for 11 minutes shortly thereafter.

The FBI’s timeline suggests that Crooks left the venue around 16:00, only to return and be identified as a suspicious individual shortly after 17:00. At approximately 17:30, he was observed using a range finder, just under half an hour before he was seen walking near the AGR building with a backpack. At 18:11, a local police officer confronted him, about 30 seconds before he fired eight shots toward Trump and the crowd.

Crooks is now believed to have conducted “early surveillance” of the site on July 11, two days before the rally took place. The investigation continues as authorities seek to understand his motivations and actions leading up to the event.