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Thomas Matthew Crooks allegedly hinted at an impending attack online just days before he climbed onto a roof and opened fire at a Pennsylvania campaign rally, killing one person and injuring others, including former President Donald Trump, according to reports.
During an all-members briefing with U.S. senators on July 17, Secret Service and FBI officials revealed that Crooks, aged 20, posted a threatening message on the gaming platform “Steam” before the attempted assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. Reportedly, the message read: “July 13 will be my premiere, watch as it unfolds.”
“Steam” is widely used by millions of gamers for purchasing games and communication. This discovery was part of ongoing investigations into Crooks’ technological devices, including his cell phones and laptop.
Upon examining Crooks’ laptop, investigators found searches in July related to Trump, Biden, the timing of the DNC convention, and the July 13 Trump rally, according to top security officials briefing the senators.
The FBI noted that there was no evidence of a specific ideological motive on the laptop, which senators found noteworthy. Interviews conducted with individuals who knew Crooks did not indicate any discussions about politics, senators disclosed to Fox News after the briefing.
Additionally, senators were informed that Crooks possessed two cell phones. The primary phone was recovered at the scene along with a remote transmitter. A second cell phone found at his residence had only 27 contacts, and the FBI is currently locating and interviewing these individuals.
Earlier reports revealed that Crooks’ parents had contacted law enforcement on Saturday, hours before the attempted assassination, expressing concern about his whereabouts and well-being. It remains unclear whether they were aware that he had access to an AR-15 rifle belonging to his father.
Local police have not disclosed the actions taken following the parents’ notification.
