Newly released federal documents describe unusual behavior by Thomas Matthew Crooks in the weeks and months before he attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a 2024 campaign rally. People who knew Crooks reportedly observed increasing agitation, frequent self-talk, nighttime pacing and periods of unusual energy. Former FBI special agent Jonathan Gilliam said the records pointed to possible mental instability, while the FBI director told senators investigators found no evidence that Crooks was connected to anyone else.
The documents were turned over to the Senate as part of continuing scrutiny of the attack in Butler, Pennsylvania. Crooks was killed by Secret Service agents after firing toward the rally, killing one person and seriously injuring two others.
| 1) | Documents describe changes in Crooks’ behavior |
| 2) | Former agent identifies possible warning signs |
| 3) | Shooting training and ammunition purchases |
| 4) | Investigation finds no identified accomplice |
| 5) | Crooks’ education and background |
Documents describe changes in Crooks’ behavior
The federal files, provided to senators during the ongoing review, include accounts from people close to Crooks in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. One unidentified individual told investigators that Crooks became more agitated as he grew older, talked to himself more often and sometimes stayed awake all night dancing or whispering. The person said Crooks appeared to have seemingly endless energy and acknowledged talking to himself, while denying that he heard voices.
An FBI memo also described pacing that reportedly occurred two or three times each week. The activity was said to have distracted someone in the household or workplace, although portions of the account were redacted. The records do not establish when every behavior began or whether any single incident directly indicated an attack.
Former agent identifies possible warning signs
Jonathan Gilliam, a former FBI special agent, said the material showed Crooks was deteriorating psychologically before the July 13, 2024, rally shooting. He characterized the behavior as evidence of someone who may have been entering a manic or delusional state, while noting that possible influences from people around Crooks or material viewed online could also have been relevant.
“These are definitely examples of somebody who is mentally not stable and also somebody who was spiraling into almost a manic or delusional state,” Gilliam said.
The documents also mention a confrontation over a gallon jug containing a substance Crooks said was used to clean the bed of a 3D printer. The individual who questioned him reportedly doubted the explanation, saying Crooks’ ears would turn red when he lied. The account does not identify the substance or prove that it was connected to the later attack.
Shooting training and ammunition purchases
In the months before the rally, Crooks enrolled in three courses at the Keystone Shooting Center. He registered for a basic carbine course on April 30, 2024, scheduled for May 25, a basic handgun course on June 7, scheduled for June 13, and an intermediate handgun course on June 1, scheduled for June 22. Each course cost between $139.99 and $149.99.
On May 25, Crooks was reportedly seen with two other men at Keystone Armory in Edinboro, Pennsylvania. Investigative records say the group looked at firearms and that Crooks bought 20 rounds of 7.62x54R ammunition for $19.07. Another document says an individual believed to be Crooks searched multiple websites before finding one willing to sell him ammunition.
Investigation finds no identified accomplice
FBI Director Kash Patel testified before a Senate Oversight Committee hearing that investigators had found no evidence Crooks was connected to another person in the planning or execution of the attack. Patel said the investigation found no indication that Crooks was communicating with anyone other than his parents, with whom he lived.
The files do show that the FBI contacted at least one foreign government during the investigation. The documents provide no additional explanation for that contact. Gilliam argued that the inquiry into Crooks’ motive should not be considered complete, particularly because the newly released material may provide additional context about his behavior.
Crooks’ education and background
Crooks was 20 years old and lived in Bethel Park when he carried out the attack. He had earned an associate degree in engineering science from the Community College of Allegheny County and planned to attend Robert Morris University to study mechanical engineering.
A coworker told investigators that Crooks became somewhat more open and appeared increasingly excited about returning to school during the weeks before the shooting. He was later killed by Secret Service agents after firing at Trump during the campaign event, an incident that killed one attendee and seriously wounded two others.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | People close to Crooks reported unusual behavior before the attack. |
| 2 | A former FBI agent described possible manic or delusional symptoms. |
| 3 | Crooks completed or scheduled firearms training and bought ammunition. |
| 4 | The FBI reported no evidence of an accomplice. |
Summary
The released records add detail about Crooks’ behavior and firearms-related activities before the Butler rally shooting, but they do not establish a definitive motive or identify a collaborator. Investigators continue to face questions about how the warning signs described by acquaintances fit into the broader timeline of the attack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What behavior did people report before the attack?
Accounts described increased agitation, frequent self-talk, nighttime dancing or whispering, pacing and periods of unusual energy.
What did the former FBI agent say?
Jonathan Gilliam said the documents suggested Crooks may have been spiraling into a manic or delusional state and that the motive investigation should remain open.
Did investigators identify an accomplice?
No. FBI Director Kash Patel testified that investigators had found no evidence Crooks was connected with anyone else.
