FBI Director Christopher Wray disclosed on Wednesday that the family of Thomas Crooks possessed over a dozen firearms in their Pennsylvania residence. Wray informed the House Judiciary Committee that the father, Matthew Crooks, legally sold his son the weapon used in the 20-year-old's attempted assassination of former President Trump.
Wray stated, 'We located a number of firearms associated with the shooter and his family, totaling 14 in the house.' The firearm employed in the assassination attempt was an AR-style rifle, purchased legally. Wray indicated, 'We believe, based on what we’ve seen, that his father, after purchasing the gun, legally sold the gun to his son.'
On the same day, Mary Crooks, the mother of the assailant, was seen outside for the first time since the incident. The mother, who is visually impaired, was assisted by her husband into their Bethel Park home. Matthew Crooks, the father, was observed aiding his wife, and it was noted that the younger Crooks had a keen interest in shooting activities.
Aside from the AR-15 and rifle magazines, authorities discovered a bulletproof vest and 'crude' explosive devices in Crooks' vehicle following his demise by a Secret Service sniper. Wray mentioned that the FBI is actively seeking a manifesto or other evidence to ascertain the motive behind the attack that endangered Trump, injured two attendees, and claimed the life of retired volunteer fire chief Corey Comperatore on July 13.
Wray further stated that the FBI's behavioral analysis unit is constructing a profile of the shooter and has conducted over 400 interviews as part of the investigation. Despite the usual practice of not discussing ongoing cases, Wray emphasized the significance of the case, labeling the attempted assassination as an assault on democracy.
Regarding the assailant's family, the father declined to comment on his son's actions, mentioning that they would release a statement upon legal counsel's advice. He requested privacy for the family during this challenging time.
