Political commentator Tucker Carlson has raised major questions about the federal investigation into Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old shooter who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump during a July 13, 2024 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump survived the attack after a bullet grazed his ear, while firefighter Corey Comperatore was killed and two others were injured.
Carlson argued that key details about Thomas Matthew Crooks have been withheld from the public. In a series of posts on X, he claimed that the FBI misrepresented Crooks’ digital history by saying the suspect had “no online footprint.” According to Carlson, he gained access to Crooks’ Google Drive, which allegedly contains years of online comments involving threats, extremist rhetoric, and political frustrations.
“The FBI lied, and we can prove it because we have his posts,” Carlson wrote, accusing federal officials of blocking transparency. He also said that despite Crooks coming “within a quarter-inch of destroying this country,” little is known about the motive behind the attack.
The FBI swiftly pushed back. Its Rapid Response account stated the bureau never claimed Crooks had no online presence. Current FBI Director Kash Patel also responded, sharing an overview of the extensive investigation. Patel said more than 480 FBI personnel handled the case, conducting over 1,000 interviews, reviewing 500,000 digital files, and analyzing data from multiple devices and more than 25 online accounts connected to Crooks.
According to Patel, investigators concluded that Thomas Matthew Crooks acted alone, had limited online and in-person interactions, and did not share his plan with anyone. He said the bureau thoroughly analyzed Crooks’ financial records, social media activity, and digital communications.
Carlson, however, remains unconvinced. In a 34-minute video posted Friday, he argued that the FBI — under both Trump and Biden — provided incomplete and inconsistent details. He highlighted Crooks’ early online praise of Trump, his later political disillusionment during the COVID era, and posts that reportedly included racist and violent themes. Carlson claimed these contradict early descriptions that Crooks’ motive was “unclear.”
The host also questioned why Crooks’ body was cremated ten days after the shooting, the same day congressional committees began their inquiries. He suggested the decision prevented outside investigators from verifying independent autopsy details.
Carlson further criticized former Trump FBI appointees, including Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, claiming they offered few answers because there is “no trial” and no clear reason for withholding information.
As debate grows, the case of Thomas Matthew Crooks continues to stir national attention. Carlson alleges a cover-up; the FBI insists it carried out a comprehensive investigation. For now, key questions about Crooks’ political shift, online activity, and motive remain topics of intense public scrutiny.
