Donald Trump assassination attempt: Remote detonator found on Thomas Crooks's body after sniper shot him dead

A remote detonator was found on the body of the gunman who tried to kill Donald Trump.

A picture published by the local Pittsburgh news channel WPXI showed the detonator alongside the suspect Thomas Crooks’s phone.

Investigators previously reportedly found explosive materials inside Crooks’s car, with CNN reporting that those materials were connected to the detonator. 

An unnamed official told the network that an “improvised explosive device” was uncovered in the trunk of the 20-year-old’s Hyundai Sonata.

“That suggests the gunman may have been planning to set off an explosion remotely, and investigators are considering the theory that he may have been planning a distraction during the shooting,” they told the outlet.

(AFP via Getty Images)

After three days, the FBI has revealed little of what may have motivated Crooks to attempt to assassinate the former US President.

According to reports, he was a loner with few friends, an apparently thin social media footprint and no hints of strong political beliefs that would suggest a motive for the shooting.

Investigators have cracked into Crooks's cellphone, scoured his computer, home and car, and interviewed more than 100 people, but have not yet revealed why they believe he did it

A law enforcement official briefed on the ongoing investigation told The Associated Press anonymously that Crooks' phone had not immediately yielded any meaningful clues related to motive, or whether he acted alone or with others.

A picture published by the local Pittsburgh outlet WPXI showed the detonator alongside the suspect Thomas Crooks’ phone (WPXI)

The Secret Service, which is responsible for the security of ex-presidents, is facing questions over how Crooks managed to get a clear shot at Trump as he gave his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The inspector general of the US Department of Homeland Security is investigating the security arrangements at the rally, while US President Joe Biden has also pledged a speedy probe.

Several witnesses said in the aftermath of the shooting that they had tried to warn officials of Crooks’ presence on the roof immediately before he opened fire.