Newly released federal documents show Thomas Crooks exhibited disturbing behavioral changes in the weeks before his attempted assassination of President Donald Trump, with those close to him observing signs of mental instability that former FBI investigators say should have raised serious concerns.
Escalating Warning Signs
Federal documents turned over to the Senate reveal that individuals close to Crooks noticed increasingly erratic behavior before the July rally shooting that killed one person and seriously injured two others. Former FBI Special Agent Jonathan Gilliam told Fox News Digital that the documents contained multiple warning signs about the shooter’s mental state. Gilliam described Crooks as someone “spiraling into almost a manic or delusional state,” combining mental instability with potential outside influences from people or online content.
An unidentified person who knew Crooks well reported that he began talking to himself more frequently after community college, sometimes moving his hands and speaking aloud. The individual told investigators that Crooks would stay up all night dancing and pacing, displaying what seemed like endless energy. When confronted about these habits, Crooks admitted to talking to himself but denied hearing voices in his head.
Suspicious Activities Documented
The FBI documents detail several concerning incidents. One individual confronted Crooks about a gallon jug of liquid he claimed was used to clean his three-dimensional printer bed. The person didn’t believe his explanation, noting that Crooks’ ears would turn bright red when he lied. The timing of this confrontation remains unknown. Investigators also documented that Crooks became more agitated as he aged and displayed increasingly unusual nighttime behavior, pacing through areas while whispering to himself two to three times weekly.
In May, security footage captured Crooks at Keystone Armory in Edinboro, Pennsylvania, accompanied by two older men, possibly including a family member. He purchased ammunition during this visit. Around the same time, Crooks enrolled in multiple firearm courses at the Keystone Shooting Center while planning to study mechanical engineering at Robert Morris University.
Investigation Questions Remain
Gilliam argues the investigation into Crooks’ motive should remain open, emphasizing the importance of understanding how mental instability combined with external influences led to the attack. A coworker told law enforcement that Crooks had recently opened up more and seemed excited about his educational plans. The documents paint a picture of someone whose mental state deteriorated significantly, raising questions about whether warning signs were adequately recognized or reported before the violent incident occurred.
