FBI files reveal suspect’s Snapchat could contain crucial evidence from Trump assassination attempt

Newly disclosed FBI files handed to the Senate identify a Snapchat account, "tom_crooks19," belonging to Thomas Crooks, the individual who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump on July 13 2024, killing one person and seriously injuring two others. The records also uncovered Crooks' Amazon account, a Mailfence encrypted-email service he logged into multiple times from April 15 to July 8 2024, and a Gmail account. Retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent Jason Pack explained that Snapchat data often yields a "treasure trove" of evidence, even if some elements may be lost.

He noted Crooks likely exercised caution on the platform, which is not fully encrypted. FBI Director Kash Patel testified before the Senate Oversight Committee that no evidence links Crooks to anyone besides his parents, who he lived with.