The family of Thomas Crooks, the man who shot at Donald Trump, has hired a high-profile legal firm. Matthew and Mary Crooks retained the services of Quinn Logue, which has several specialties, including criminal defense. Media reports indicate that the FBI is questioning how much the family knew about the shooting and how their son “slipped through the net.”
Crooks legally purchased the AR-15 rifle he used to kill one person and seriously injure two, from his father, who had also bought it legally.
Meanwhile, a Republican lawmaker questioned the details of the assassination attempt and asked if the 20-year-old acted alone. Rep. Mike Waltz of Florida told reporters the FBI has not learned enough about Thomas Crooks and his background or whether he planned the shooting with an accomplice.
Waltz questioned how Crooks learned to build explosive devices and install detonators and why his internet activity didn’t raise any red flags. Investigations found that the shooter regularly used various international online platforms, and Rep. Waltz said terrorists also often utilize these to reduce scrutiny by US law enforcement agencies. “Why does a 19-year-old kid who is a health care aide need encrypted platforms not even based in the United States,” the Congressman asked.
The Florida Rep. is one of 13 lawmakers serving on a bipartisan House task force who visited the scene of the shooting on August 26. Republican Chairman Mike Kelly told reporters, “Getting to the truth is a slow process.” The group said their primary purpose in the inquiry is to ensure the truth is uncovered and investigators don’t jump to conclusions.
The task force comprises six Democrats and seven Republicans, including Democrat Rep. Lou Correa, who highlighted the role of Trump’s private security staff and their responsibilities regarding pre-planning. He said the Trump campaign “had a lot to do” with security measures at the event and the task force would determine who was ultimately responsible for their failure.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries urged the committee to put all partisanship aside and focus on getting to the truth.
