Trump shooter had a drone and multiple explosive devices, FBI director tells lawmakers

Jul 24, 2024

FBI Director Christopher Wray confirmed to lawmakers on Wednesday that law enforcement recovered a drone and explosive devices from the gunman’s vehicle as part of its investigation into the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump.

“I’m prepared to answer questions here today about the shooter and his use of the drone,” Wray told the House Judiciary Committee at the start of what is expected to be an hourslong hearing.

Wray cautioned that the investigation is still ongoing, but said it appears at this point that Thomas Crooks had used the drone on the day of the shooting around 4 p.m. roughly 200 yards from where Trump spoke.

Wray added that it was currently being analyzed by the FBI and that the drone was in the gunman’s vehicle at the time of the shooting.

In addition to confirming details about the drone, Wray told lawmakers that the FBI investigation is focused on the shooter — indicating that questions about the Secret Service’s actions were being covered by other investigations. As part of the FBI’s probe, they are investigating what the shooter’s motive might have been and if he had any accomplices — with Wray saying the FBI has so far no evidence that points to the latter.

Wray also told the committee that the FBI found eight cartridges on the roof where Crooks was positioned. Law enforcement also recovered three explosive devices, Wray said — two from his vehicle and one from his residence.

Wray’s testimony before the House Judiciary Committee is his first public appearance before Congress since the July 13 shooting. The hearing was on the books before the shooting, but Wray is now expected to get a laundry list of questions about the FBI’s ongoing investigation.

It also comes two days after then-Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle appeared before the House Oversight Committee — sparking bipartisan frustration among lawmakers who felt like she evaded their questions. Cheatle announced on Tuesday that she would resign.

Wray, during his opening statement, called the shooting an “an attack on democracy” and said he was prepared to give the committee “all the information I can, given where we are at this point.”

“I recognize both the congressional and the public interest in this case and the importance of this investigation to the American people,” he added.

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