FBI director testifies that father of Trump shooter legally sold son weapon used in assassination attempt

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Quick Hit:

In congressional testimony on Wednesday, FBI Director Christopher Wray disclosed that Trump shooter, Thomas Crooks' family possessed 14 firearms, with his father legally selling him the gun used in the attempted assassination of former President Trump.

Key Details:

  • On Wednesday, FBI Director Wray revealed to the House Judiciary Committee that the Crooks family home in Pennsylvania contained 14 firearms.

  • Matthew Crooks legally sold his son, Thomas Crooks, the AR-style rifle used in the assassination attempt.

  • Wray told the committee that the FBI continues to investigate, seeking a manifesto or other clues to determine Thomas Crooks' motive.

Diving Deeper:

In a testimony before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, FBI Director Christopher Wray revealed that Thomas Crooks' family had over a dozen firearms in their Bethel Park, Pennsylvania home. Fox News reported that Matthew Crooks, Thomas' father, legally sold the AR-style rifle to his son, which was later used in the assassination attempt on former President Trump.

"We located a number of firearms associated with the shooter and his family," Wray stated, noting there were a total of 14 guns in the house. "The weapon that he used for the attempted assassination was an AR-style rifle that was purchased legally," Wray added. "We believe, based on what we've seen, that his father, after purchasing the gun, legally sold the gun to his son."

This disclosure came on the same day that Mary Crooks, the mother of the shooter, was seen publicly for the first time since the incident. She was guided by her husband, Matthew Crooks, as they entered their home. The couple arrived in their blue Toyota Tacoma, with Matthew assisting his blind wife from the vehicle.

Thomas Crooks was described as a "fairly avid shooting enthusiast" by Wray during his testimony. In addition to the AR-15 and magazines for the rifle, law enforcement found a bulletproof vest and crude explosive devices in his car after he was neutralized by a Secret Service sniper.

The FBI director mentioned that the agency is still searching for a manifesto or other writings that could shed light on the 20-year-old Crooks' motive. The attack, which took place at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, resulted in the injury of two rallygoers and the death of retired volunteer fire chief, Corey Comperatore.

"The attempted assassination of the former president was an attack on our democracy," Wray emphasized on Wednesday, acknowledging the significant public and congressional interest in the case. He noted that the FBI has already conducted over 400 interviews as part of their extensive investigation.

Matthew Crooks, the gunman's father, declined to comment on his son's actions when approached by reporters. "We're going to release a statement when our legal counsel advises us to do so. Until then, we have no comment," he said, requesting privacy for his family during this difficult time.

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