FBI Director Patel Says Trump Rally Shooter Thomas Crooks Acted Alone

Patel’s statement aligns with earlier FBI briefings, but also provides new details on the investigation’s depth.

FBI director Kash Patel (L) and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt (R) speak during a press briefing at the White House in Washington on Nov. 12, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Nov. 14 that Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old who attempted to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania in July 2024, planned and executed the attack on his own, with the FBI finding no evidence of accomplices or prior discussions by him of his intent.

Patel detailed the investigation on X, which leveraged more than 480 FBI employees.