FBI Has 'Gained Access' To the Trump Rally Shooter's Phone [UPDATE]

UPDATE 7/15/24 3:05 p.m. EDT: In a press release published this afternoon, the FBI said they 'successfully gained access to Thomas Matthew Crooks' phone, and they continue to analyze his electronic devices.' The bureau added that it has completed its search of the subject's residence and vehicle, and 'conducted nearly 100 interviews of law enforcement personnel, event attendees, and other witnesses.'

Original Story: July 15, 16:45 UTC: Investigators are working to break into the phone of the man who shot at former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally on Saturday. The Verge: The FBI said in a statement that it had obtained the shooter's phone 'for examination.' Officials told reporters in a conference call on Sunday, as reported by The New York Times, that agents in Pennsylvania were unable to break into the phone. It's been shipped to the FBI's lab in Quantico, Virginia, where the FBI hopes to get past the phone's password protection, the Times reported.

Investigators are still looking for insight into the motives of Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, who they identified as the gunman. Kevin Rojek, the FBI special agent in charge in Pittsburgh, told the Times and other outlets that the agency has access to some of Crooks' text messages, but they haven't shed much light on his beliefs.

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