Newly released FBI records provide additional details about messages sent by Thomas Matthew Crooks before the July 13, 2024, shooting at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The records include a discussion about 3D-printed parts, unexplained messages to a redacted contact and information about a package shipped from Hong Kong. They also document drone photographs taken near Pittsburgh sports venues and earlier efforts by Crooks to make a handgun. The documents do not, on their own, establish the purpose of every message or activity.
| 1) | Newly released messages raise questions |
| 2) | Records describe 3D-printing discussions |
| 3) | Drone images and overseas shipment appear in files |
| 4) | The Butler attack killed one person and injured others |
| 5) | Watchdog group seeks release of fuller investigative record |
Newly released messages raise questions
The documents, obtained from the FBI by a government-transparency watchdog group, cover communications involving Crooks in the months before the Butler rally. On Feb. 9, 2023, an unidentified contact asked Crooks whether he had 3D-printed certain parts. Crooks replied that he had, except for fan blades. The contact responded positively and referred to additional parts in a message that was partly redacted.
The records also show a second redacted contact receiving a series of short messages from Crooks between May 21, 2023, and Jan. 3, 2024. The messages included repeated uses of words such as “Hello” and “red,” along with strings of apparently random letters and numbers. The FBI redacted any replies from the other party, leaving the context and purpose of the exchange unclear.
Records describe 3D-printing discussions
The newly disclosed exchange adds to earlier reporting about Crooks’ interest in 3D printing. Investigative records previously cited by congressional investigators said his father, Matthew Crooks, told investigators that his son had used carbon-fiber plastic, a dryer and a toaster oven to make a Glock 19 handgun.
According to those records, Matthew Crooks became concerned that the homemade firearm could explode and prohibited his son from using it. The documents do not indicate that the 3D-printed gun was used in the Butler attack. They instead describe an earlier experiment that investigators examined while reconstructing Crooks’ activities and interests.
“Using carbon fiber plastic, a dryer and a toaster oven, Thomas did once create a Glock 19,” Matthew Crooks told investigators, according to the records.
Drone images and overseas shipment appear in files
The document release includes 40 drone photographs taken by Crooks between Feb. 6 and Feb. 27, 2024. The images included PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, home venues for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Steelers. The records provide the dates and locations shown in the photographs but do not establish why Crooks took them or whether they were connected to the later rally shooting.
The files also contain a notification from DHL about a package Crooks received from Hong Kong. The available information identifies the shipment and its origin but does not, in the material described, specify the contents or demonstrate a connection to the Butler attack.
The Butler attack killed one person and injured others
On July 13, 2024, Crooks opened fire during a campaign rally where then-presidential candidate Donald Trump was speaking in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump was grazed by a bullet and was moved from the stage by Secret Service agents. Crooks, who was 20 and lived in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was killed by Secret Service personnel.
Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old fire chief, was killed while shielding his family. James Copenhaver, a 76-year-old veteran, suffered gunshot wounds to his triceps and midsection, including injuries affecting vital organs. Although he left the hospital about a week later, he experienced continuing complications and died on Sept. 23, 2026. Another attendee, David Dutch, was also wounded in the shooting.
Watchdog group seeks release of fuller investigative record
The watchdog group that obtained the records said the documents add new pieces to the timeline surrounding Crooks but criticized the FBI for releasing information gradually and with extensive redactions. Its president called for the complete investigative record to be made public, citing the continuing public interest after James Copenhaver’s death.
The released material offers details about Crooks’ communications, technical activities, photography and shipments, but it does not provide a complete explanation of his motive. Additional records, unredacted messages or investigative findings would be needed to clarify the significance of the contacts and whether any of the documented activity was related to the attack.
| 1 | FBI records show Crooks discussed 3D-printed parts with an unidentified contact in February 2023. |
| 2 | A separate exchange contained unexplained one- and two-word messages over several months. |
| 3 | The files include 40 drone photos and a record of a package shipped from Hong Kong. |
| 4 | The 2024 shooting killed Corey Comperatore, injured three attendees and left Crooks dead. |
Summary
The FBI records add detail to the known timeline before the Butler shooting, particularly concerning 3D printing, cryptic messages, drone photography and an overseas shipment. However, the documents leave major questions unanswered, including the meaning of the communications and the relationship, if any, between those activities and the attack. A fuller investigative record would be required for a definitive assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the records say about 3D printing?
They described a February 2023 exchange in which an unidentified contact asked Crooks about 3D-printed parts. Earlier investigative records also said he had made a Glock 19, although there is no indication that firearm was used in the Butler attack.
What were the unusual messages?
Crooks sent a series of short messages, including repeated references to “Hello” and “red,” as well as apparently random letters and numbers. Responses from the other contact were redacted.
Who was killed or injured in the shooting?
Corey Comperatore was killed. James Copenhaver, David Dutch and Donald Trump were injured, while Crooks was killed by Secret Service personnel. Copenhaver later died from complications linked to his injuries.
