The attempted assassination of President Trump in Pennsylvania last year continues to unravel a disturbing web of details, prompting serious questions about the investigation’s scope and transparency. New information, surfacing from independent investigations, paints a far more complex picture of the would-be assailant, Thomas Crooks, than initially presented.
Previously unseen footage from Crooks’s Google Drive revealed him repeatedly dry-firing a handgun in his bedroom, a chilling practice suggesting premeditation and a disturbing comfort with firearms. This footage, along with access to an alleged YouTube account, revealed a dramatic ideological shift – a descent from staunch Trump supporter to vehement opponent.
The online posts, spanning 2019 and 2020, weren’t simply political rants; they contained explicit expressions of violent intent. In one instance, Crooks allegedly advocated for “terrorism-style attacks” against the government, revealing a deeply troubled and radicalized mindset. His words hinted at a belief that the political outcome was irrelevant, foreshadowing a potential for destructive action regardless of election results.
Further investigation by independent journalist Breanna Morello uncovered multiple DeviantArt accounts allegedly linked to Crooks. One account notably displayed they/them pronouns, raising questions about his gender identity and potentially adding another layer to the motivations behind his actions. The possibility of a connection to other recent incidents is now being considered.
Even more unsettling were the images found on another DeviantArt account, now deleted but preserved in screenshots. Eight artworks depicted graphic violence – individuals being shot, beaten, and covered in blood. One piece was explicitly titled “killing p*dos,” hinting at a dark and disturbing fixation. These images offer a glimpse into the depths of Crooks’s disturbed psyche.
The significance of DeviantArt as a hub for “furry” art and the “furry” community has also come to light. Similar to the individual accused of attempting to assassinate a member of Congress, Crooks appeared to have an interest in, or was actively involved with, this online subculture. This connection is raising further questions about potential influences and shared ideologies.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Crooks allegedly used a PayPal account under the alias “Rod Swanson.” This alias is particularly striking as it mirrors the name of a former FBI senior agent, Rod Swanson, who led investigations during the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting. Swanson himself expressed shock upon learning of the connection, stating he had no knowledge of Crooks and doesn’t even use PayPal.
The digital footprint extends beyond these platforms. Accounts on Snapchat, Venmo, Zelle, Discord, and others have been identified, though access to their contents remains limited. However, the CEO of GAB confirmed Crooks maintained an account on their platform, filled with comments mirroring the rhetoric of a typical online provocateur.
The sheer volume of detailed information uncovered by independent journalists – Carlson, Morello, and Devine – begs a critical question: What did the FBI know about Thomas Crooks, and when did they know it? The American public, and especially the intended target of this attack, deserves a full and transparent accounting of the investigation.
