Thomas Matthew Crooks, the individual who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a rally in July 2024, used the alias "Bob Dole" to order suspicious packages prior to the attack. Documents reviewed by Fox News Digital indicate that Crooks, 20, would collect packages addressed to the alias while his father was at work. He was killed by Secret Service agents after opening fire at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Federal records show that Crooks' actions came as a surprise to his family, and his motive remains unclear. According to a family attorney, Crooks was cremated shortly after the incident, with the cost covered by an anonymous donor.
Investigators interviewed Crooks' parents the day after the shooting. His father told FBI agents that his son "never identified anyone as a friend throughout middle school and high school," despite appearing to socialize with classmates. The father stated that Crooks adopted the "Bob Dole" pseudonym after his checking account was compromised and fraudulent gambling charges appeared.
Following the shooting, Crooks' father took early retirement, and his mother went on leave from her job to cope with the events. The investigation into the assassination attempt is ongoing.