FBI Releases Documents on Trump Assassination Attempt

Pennsylvania senator says more information is needed about shooter

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The FBI has released 37 pages of documents related to the 2024 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. However, Pennsylvania Senator Dave McCormick says he is still 'not satisfied' with the information that has been provided about the deceased shooter.

Why it matters

The assassination attempt on a former president is a major national security and political issue that raises questions about security protocols, the motivations of the shooter, and the government's transparency in providing information to the public and elected officials.

The details

The FBI documents provide new details about the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, including that he searched online for events of both Trump and President Joe Biden and saw the Pennsylvania campaign rally where he opened fire as a 'target of opportunity.' However, Senator McCormick says more information is needed to fully understand the incident.

  • The assassination attempt occurred in July 2024 at a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The players

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States who was the target of the assassination attempt.

Thomas Matthew Crooks

The deceased gunman who carried out the assassination attempt on Donald Trump.

Dave McCormick

Pennsylvania senator who says more information is needed about the shooter.

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What they’re saying

“I'm still 'not satisfied' with the information that's been provided about the deceased shooter.”

— Dave McCormick, Pennsylvania Senator (fox11online.com)

What’s next

The FBI and Pennsylvania authorities may release additional information about the assassination attempt and the shooter's motivations in the coming weeks and months.

The takeaway

This assassination attempt on a former president highlights the need for robust security protocols and transparency from government officials when such high-profile incidents occur, in order to maintain public trust and fully understand the circumstances surrounding these events.