Investigators said would-be assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks posted “July 13 will be my premiere, watch as it unfolds” on an online gaming platform sometime before he tried to kill former President Donald Trump.
The 20-year-old gunman also looked up speaking dates for President Biden before opting to take aim at Mr. Trump during the Butler, Pennsylvania, shooting Saturday just 50 miles from his home, according to local and federal officials who spoke with The New York Times and ABC News.
Crooks shot and killed one man, wounded two others and bloodied Mr. Trump with a bullet to his ear during the Republican presidential candidate’s campaign event.
Secret Service snipers killed Crooks seconds after he let off his eight-round barrage into the crowd.
Information on the killer’s internet activity comes as investigators examine the gunman’s computer and phone in search of a motive.
Authorities said they believe Crooks made the “premiere” comment on gaming platform Steam, but couldn’t peg when the comment was made.
Investigators have found no ideological or political motivation for the attack.
The gunman did look up images for Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray and next month’s schedule for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. He also researched the term “major depressive disorder.”
Crooks had two cellphones to his name, with one of them having 27 contacts, according to Fox News.
The FBI is trying to get in touch with the people listed.
• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.
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