FBI Released Documents on Trump Assassination Attempt
The newly public files reveal details about the shooter's drone surveillance and communications prior to the 2024 attack.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Terrorism
The FBI has released investigative documents regarding the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, following a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit filed by Judicial Watch. The records provide new insights into the actions of the shooter, Thomas Crooks, in the lead-up to the July 2024 incident.
Why it matters
The disclosures offer a more detailed look at the investigative findings regarding Crooks, including his pre-attack surveillance and digital communications. These documents provide significant context for the security failures surrounding the rally where attendee James Copenhaver was critically injured, later dying in September 2026.
The released documents confirm Crooks conducted drone surveillance over multiple Pittsburgh locations in February 2024. The investigation is ongoing regarding his communications, including messages about 3D printed items and a package received from Hong Kong in early 2023.
The players
Thomas Crooks
He was the 20-year-old gunman who carried out the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States who was the target of the July 2024 assassination attempt.
Judicial Watch
This conservative activist organization uses the Freedom of Information Act to pursue legal actions for government records.
James Copenhaver
He was an attendee at the 2024 rally who died in 2026 due to injuries suffered during the shooting.
FBI
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary federal law enforcement agency that investigated the shooting.
The details
The FBI recovered data from a drone Crooks operated, documenting flights over PNC Park, Acrisure Stadium, and the Community College of Allegheny County. Digital evidence also includes text exchanges between the shooter and a former classmate, as well as coded messages with an unidentified contact sent between May 2023 and January 2024.
Timeline
January 2023: Thomas Crooks received a package from Hong Kong.
May 2023 – January 2024: Crooks exchanged coded messages with an unknown number.
February 2024: Crooks flew a drone over various Pittsburgh locations.
July 13, 2024: Crooks flew a drone over the Butler Farm Show grounds at 3:51 p.m.
September 2026: James Copenhaver died from injuries sustained during the 2024 rally.
Legal Context
The release of these documents through the Freedom of Information Act highlights the ongoing legal efforts to ensure transparency in high-profile federal investigations. This case mirrors broader trends where private organizations use litigation to obtain and publicize evidence related to significant national security events.
The release of these details may lead to renewed discussions regarding security protocols at large public events across the United States. Residents and local law enforcement are likely to see increased scrutiny on surveillance and threat detection standards as authorities work to prevent future security lapses.
The takeaway
These documents underscore the importance of digital forensics in modern terrorism investigations and the role of public records requests in maintaining oversight. Understanding these pre-attack patterns remains critical for those involved in planning security for high-profile public appearances.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing investigations into domestic extremism, visit the Terrorism section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
