Newly released FBI documents reveal Thomas Crooks used the alias “Bob Dole” before the Trump shooting and an anonymous donor paid for his cremation.
Newly released federal documents have revealed fresh details about Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old gunman who attempted to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at a July 2024 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The records show Crooks used the name “Bob Dole” when ordering packages before the attack. They also reveal that an anonymous donor paid for the cremation of his body after he was killed by a Secret Service counter-sniper.
The documents were provided to the Senate as part of the ongoing examination of the assassination attempt, adding new details to an investigation that has continued to face scrutiny over Crooks’ actions, background and the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Thomas Crooks used ‘Bob Dole’ alias
According to federal records reviewed by Fox News Digital, Crooks used the pseudonym “Bob Dole” for online purchases delivered to his parents’ home.
His father, Matthew Crooks, told FBI investigators that his son would collect packages addressed to the alias before his father returned home from work. The purchases reportedly included parts, tools and other items connected to Crooks’ firearm interests.
The records indicate that Crooks was particularly concerned about protecting his digital footprint. His father described his son’s interest in privacy tools and his use of pseudonyms when making purchases.
Investigators have not established that the alias itself provides an explanation for Crooks’ eventual decision to target Trump.
Anonymous donor paid for cremation
The federal records also contain a surprising detail about what happened after the shooting.
An anonymous donor paid for Crooks’ cremation, according to information included in the documents. The detail was reportedly provided through the family’s attorney and included in an interview summary involving Crooks’ father.
The revelation has prompted renewed questions about the handling of Crooks’ remains. His body was released for cremation less than two weeks after the July 13, 2024, shooting, according to reporting based on the documents.
The records do not identify the donor or explain why the person chose to cover the expense.
Crooks’ family faced financial strain
The anonymous payment is notable because Crooks’ family was reportedly dealing with financial difficulties following the shooting.
His father told investigators about his employment situation, while Crooks’ mother was also away from work in the aftermath of the attack. The circumstances have raised questions about who stepped forward to pay for the cremation.
However, the available documents do not establish any connection between the anonymous donor and Crooks or his family.
Lawmakers have separately questioned how quickly Crooks’ body was released after the shooting, adding another layer to the continuing scrutiny of the FBI’s handling of the case.
New records shed light on Crooks’ background
The FBI documents also provide additional information about Crooks’ personal life and behavior before the attack.
His father told investigators that Crooks never identified anyone as a friend during middle school or high school, despite socializing with classmates. The records portray him as increasingly isolated and deeply interested in firearms and online security.
Other records indicate Crooks maintained numerous online accounts and took steps to limit his digital exposure.
Despite the growing amount of information about his behavior, investigators have not publicly established a definitive motive for the assassination attempt.
Trump rally shooting remains under scrutiny
Crooks opened fire from a rooftop at Trump’s campaign rally in Butler on July 13, 2024.
Trump was struck in the ear and survived. Rally attendee Corey Comperatore was killed, while two other people were seriously wounded. Secret Service personnel subsequently shot and killed Crooks.
The shooting triggered extensive scrutiny of security failures at the rally, particularly how Crooks was able to reach a position with a clear view of the stage.
The newly released records are now giving lawmakers additional information as they continue examining the FBI investigation and the events leading up to the attack.
Motive remains unanswered
The revelations about the “Bob Dole” alias and the anonymous payment for Crooks’ cremation add new pieces to the picture of the gunman, but they do not resolve the central question surrounding the case: why did Crooks attempt to assassinate Trump?
Federal investigators continue to examine his background, online activity, firearms interests and behavior before the shooting.
For lawmakers reviewing the Butler assassination attempt, the latest documents provide additional details while also leaving significant questions unanswered about Crooks’ motives and the circumstances surrounding the handling of his remains.
