Thomas Matthew Crooks, identified as the shooter in the attack on former President Donald Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, was connected to a series of unusual coded text messages prior to the incident. Records obtained by Judicial Watch provide insight into these communications.
Code-Like Messages
On February 9, 2023, an unknown contact asked Crooks via text, “Did you 3D print the parts?” Crooks confirmed he had, “except for the fan blades.” The unknown contact then remarked on the aesthetics of the parts. The FBI redacted additional information related to these exchanges.
Another set of messages between Crooks and a second, unnamed contact, consists of seemingly cryptic words and numbers. This communication took place from May 21, 2023, to January 3, 2024. The messages include sequences like “Hello red,” interspersed with random characters and numbers. The FBI has redacted any replies from the second contact.
3D Printing and Drone Use
Crooks’ involvement with 3D printing was a point of interest. Investigations revealed that he attempted to create a Glock 19 using a 3D printer. His father, Matthew Crooks, confirmed that Thomas used carbon fiber plastic and household appliances to manufacture parts of the gun. However, concerns about the weapon’s stability led his father to prohibit its use.
Judicial Watch also shared information about a package Crooks received from Hong Kong. Additionally, Crooks took several drone photographs from February 6, 2024, to February 27, 2024. These images included locations like PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium, homes to Pittsburgh’s professional sports teams.
Fatal Consequences
During the rally, Crooks’ actions had grave outcomes. While he failed to harm Trump, two civilians lost their lives. Corey Comperatore, a fire chief, was killed while protecting his family. James Copenhaver, a veteran, suffered gunshot wounds impacting his kidneys and colon. Though he initially survived, Copenhaver passed away in 2026 due to complications from his injuries.
The release of new documents is part of ongoing efforts to understand Crooks’ motives and actions. Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton emphasized the need for the FBI to expedite the release of full investigative records, especially following Copenhaver’s recent death.