FBI Says It Has Gained Access To Phone Of Man Who Attempted To Assassinate Trump

 The FBI announced that it had gained access to the phone of the 20-year-old man who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump on Saturday. 

According to an update posted Monday afternoon, the FBI said that it was now going through the phone of Thomas Matthew Crook, who shot Trump while he spoke at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday. Trump and two other rally attendees were injured while one man, 50-year-old Corey Comperatore was killed. 

“FBI technical specialists successfully gained access to Thomas Matthew Crooks’ phone, and they continue to analyze his electronic devices,” The FBI said. “The search of the subject’s residence and vehicle are complete.”

The Daily Wire previously reported that law enforcement ransacked the home of Crooks late Saturday night, just hours after the assassination attempt took place. 

The bureau added that it had interviewed almost 100 law enforcement personnel, event attendees, and other witnesses and was continuing to conduct interviews.

“The FBI has received hundreds of digital media tips which include photos and videos taken at the scene, and we continue to review incoming tips,” the bureau said. “While the investigative work continues, FBI victim services personnel have offered assistance to the victims of Saturday’s incident.” 

Some Republicans have voiced skepticism about the FBI being put in charge of the investigation into the shooting, pointing to instances of political bias at the bureau. 

“My constituents are deeply concerned with the FBI conducting the sole investigation into the attempted assassination of President Trump,” Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX) said on Monday. “They don’t have faith in the current FBI leadership to get to the truth given how they have targeted President Trump with political witch hunt after witch hunt at the behest of Joe Biden.”

The FBI has also faced criticism over its handling of other high profile investigations, including the shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville. The FBI has pushed to suppress the writings of the transgender-identifying woman who killed six people, including three children, at the Christian school last year. 

Other Republican lawmakers have called for investigations into the Secret Service’s handling of security for the rally, questioning how the shooter was able to gain access to a roof so close to where Trump was speaking. They have demanded that Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas turn over documents explaining what security measures were taken in the lead up to Saturday’s rally.