Former President Donald Trump has agreed to participate in a victim interview with the FBI regarding the assassination attempt on his life earlier this month, according to a bureau official. The interview is a routine part of the criminal investigation, similar to any other victim interview conducted by the FBI. Special Agent Kevin Rojek, in charge of the Pittsburgh Field Office, stated, “The interview of the former president will be consistent with any other victim interview that we do. We want to get his perspective on what he observed, just like any other witness to the crime.”
The FBI’s investigation centers on Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old who attempted the assassination. Crooks was described as “highly intelligent” with a growing interest in shooting. Officials revealed that Crooks had searched for information on historical assassination attempts, mass shootings, power plants, and improvised explosive devices prior to the attack. Crooks’ primary social interactions were limited to his immediate family, and he made significant efforts to conceal his activities, including using aliases for online purchases of firearms and explosive materials.
The investigation has faced challenges due to Crooks’ use of encrypted email accounts for his purchases. Despite this, the FBI has been able to access these accounts and identify additional aliases and activities. Crooks’ parents, who have been cooperative with the investigation, did not have reasons to suspect his activities as he had a long-standing interest in science and experiments.
FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate emphasized the bureau’s commitment to uncovering the truth about the attack on Trump and the associated casualties, including the death of Corey Comperatore and injuries to two others. While there are ongoing political and public discussions, including a contentious House hearing and an upcoming Senate hearing, the FBI maintains that their focus is on the facts of the case. FBI Director Christopher Wray and Agent Rojek confirmed that Trump was struck by a bullet during the attack, countering conspiracy theories that have emerged.
The resignation of U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle following the attack has added to the political scrutiny of the incident. The FBI continues to work diligently on the investigation, providing updates to the public as necessary.
FBI Investigation Perspective:
The FBI is focused on uncovering the real facts about the attack
They are not focused on identifying failures by law enforcement but rather on collecting facts about the incident
FBI officials emphasize the routine nature of the victim interview with Trump and the challenges posed by Crooks’ use of encryption
Public and Political Perspective:
The resignation of U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and the contentious House and upcoming Senate hearings indicate significant public and political scrutiny
There are questions and conspiracy theories about the details of the attack, such as whether Trump was hit by a bullet or shrapnel.
National Broadcasting Company:
Trump agrees to give a victim interview to the FBI after assassination attempt
Cable News Network:
FBI to ask for Trump’s ‘perspective’ in shooting probe witness interview