What strange text messages were recorded in the FBI files between May 21, 2023, and January 3, 2024?
During this period, Crooks sent a string of one- and two-word messages that appeared to be "gibberish" or "noise" rather than normal conversation. The traffic included messages such as "Hello red," "Yolo," "Hdudhdbdbbd," "7888ejdj," "Ddodjjf," "890," "Yup red," and long runs of repeated letters. The FBI has redacted the responses from the other party in these exchanges.
Q&A ID a4d3aea6-8aad-44d6-944a-19676b6dc352
Why is Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton criticizing the FBI's handling of the investigation into the Butler rally attack?
Tom Fitton is criticizing the FBI for "slow-walking" and "rationing" the release of information by providing heavily redacted, blacked-out pages rather than the full investigative record. Fitton demanded the full file be released immediately, arguing that the public deserves a complete accounting of what Crooks built, who he messaged, and what items arrived at his door, especially following the death of James Copenhaver from injuries sustained during the attack.
Q&A ID 61827315-646a-43ff-b52f-7ded33c2c9b2
Who were the primary victims of the shooting at the Butler, Pennsylvania, rally, and what were their fates?
During the rally, Secret Service agents killed Crooks after a bullet grazed President Trump. Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old fire chief, was killed instantly while shielding his family. James Copenhaver, a 76-year-old veteran, was hit in the triceps and midsection, suffering kidney and colon injuries; while he left the hospital a week later, he eventually died on September 23, 2026, from complications related to those wounds.
Q&A ID 0be08171-957c-497b-957b-c06c4c93344f
What did the 3D-printing communications between Thomas Matthew Crooks and an unknown contact reveal about his preparations?
On February 9, 2023, an unknown contact asked Crooks, "Did you 3D print the parts?" Crooks responded, "Yes, except for the fan blades," to which the contact replied, "Woah that looks cool." These records were significant because Crooks' father, Matthew Crooks, later informed investigators that his son had previously attempted to fabricate a Glock 19 at home using carbon fiber plastic, a dryer, and a toaster oven.
Q&A ID dc88b6bb-2b98-4e0b-b702-5f61e79a8535