The FBI announced on Monday that it has successfully gained access to the phone of Thomas Matthew Kruks, the suspected perpetrator of an attempted attack on former president Donald Trump. The agency is currently conducting an investigation to determine the motives behind the crime.
Earlier on July 14, The New York Times reported that agents in Pennsylvania, where the incident took place, were initially unable to bypass the password on Kruks’ mobile phone. The device has since been sent to the FBI laboratory in Quantico for further analysis.
The investigation into the shooting, which occurred on Saturday and has been classified as an attempt to kill and a potential act of domestic terrorism, is still in its early stages. Technical hurdles have been overcome to access Kruks’ phone and investigators are continuing to examine its electronic contents. Searches of his residence and vehicle have also been completed.
The FBI has conducted nearly 100 interviews with law enforcement officials, event attendees, and witnesses. During a press conference on Sunday, Bureau representatives stated that as of yet, they have been unable to ascertain the ideological motives behind the attack or find evidence that explains the shooter’s actions.
It has been revealed that the AR-556 rifle used in the attack was legally obtained by the suspect’s father. Officials have indicated that there were no indications of any mental health issues in Kruks. An initial analysis of his recent communications did not shed light on his motives, nor did it reveal whether he acted alone or if others were aware of his plans.
It was during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, that one of the bullets grazed Trump’s right ear. The shooting resulted in the death of one of the former president’s supporters, with two others sustaining injuries.