Texts Show Crooks Discussed 3D Printing Before Trump Rally Attack

Thomas Matthew Crooks, the individual who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a July 13, 2024, rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, sent cryptic text messages about 3D printing in the months leading up to the attack, according to records obtained by Judicial Watch.

FBI records indicate that on February 9, 2023, an unknown contact asked Crooks, "Did you 3D print the parts?" Crooks responded, "Yes, except for the fan blades." The unknown contact then replied, "Woah that looks cool," while also inquiring about "the parts" in response to a redacted message from Crooks.

Additional messages between Crooks and a second redacted party, spanning from May 21, 2023, to January 3, 2024, included a series of short, unusual phrases such as "Hello red," "Yolo," and "Yup red."

Among the documents released by the FBI were 40 drone photos taken by Crooks between February 6 and February 27, 2024. These images included aerial views of PNC Park, home of the MLB's Pittsburgh Pirates, and Acrisure Stadium, home of the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers.

Previously reported information indicated Crooks' interest in 3D printing. His father, Matthew Crooks, told investigators that his son had attempted to use a 3D printer to create a Glock 19 handgun. "Using carbon fiber plastic, a dryer and a toaster oven, Thomas did once create a Glock 19," Matthew Crooks stated, according to documents obtained by the Senate Judiciary Committee. His father reportedly forbade him from using the firearm due to fears it could explode.

Crooks received a package from Hong Kong via shipping company DHL, according to one FBI document. The records also included information about Crooks using the alias "Bob Dole."

The assassination attempt resulted in the deaths of two civilians: Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old fire chief, and James Copenhaver, a 76-year-old veteran. Copenhaver died on September 23, 2026, due to complications from injuries sustained during the attack. Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton stated that the FBI should release all investigative records, particularly in light of Copenhaver's recent death.