Failed Assassination Attempt on Trump Unveiled

Thomas Crooks made a concerted effort to target a major event before deciding on a Trump rally in Pennsylvania. The FBI's investigations reveal his extensive research into the Republican and Democratic campaigns. Despite this, his motives remain unclear, and he acted alone without influence from foreign powers or substances.

In a detailed plot to target a high-profile event, Thomas Crooks set his sights on a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, according to FBI officials on Wednesday. Crooks, 20, conducted exhaustive searches on both Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic President Joe Biden before registering for the July rally.

"We observed a sustained and meticulous effort to plan an attack," stated Kevin Rojek, the FBI's top official in western Pennsylvania, during a phone briefing. Initially surveying various targets, Crooks honed in on the Trump rally, viewing it as a 'target of opportunity.'

The FBI is still trying to determine Crooks' motives for his attempted assassination on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania. His computer activity showed a variety of ideological interests, but nothing definitive. Questions linger about security measures and his ability to climb a building and fire shots. While the FBI investigates, several congressional and government probes are also underway.

(With inputs from agencies.)