Crime
Thomas Crooks Who Attempted to Assassinate Donald Trump Acted Alone and Disclosed No Intent Prior to the Attack
WASHINGTON, D.C. — FBI Director Kash Patel has provided a comprehensive overview of the extensive federal investigation into Thomas Crooks, outlining the scope, methodology, and key findings of the case.
According to Director Patel, the investigation mobilized significant FBI resources, involving more than 480 employees across multiple field offices.
The agency conducted a sweeping review of Crooks’ activities and digital footprint in an effort to determine motive, possible accomplices, and whether the attack was coordinated with any organization or external entity.
The investigation included:
- Over 1,000 witness and associate interviews
- More than 2,000 public tips processed and evaluated
- Collection and analysis of data from 13 seized electronic devices
- Review of approximately 500,000 digital files
- Examination of financial activity associated with 10 accounts
- Analysis of 25 social media and online forum profiles linked to Crooks
- Synchronized review of hundreds of hours of surveillance and publicly submitted video footage
Investigators examined more than 20 verified online identities associated with Crooks and performed forensic extraction of data from phones, computers, storage devices, and cloud-based accounts.
Based on available evidence, investigators concluded:
- Crooks acted alone and did not conspire with others.
- He did not share or leak his intent prior to carrying out the attack.
- His online activity reflected limited communication and minimal interaction with others.
- No credible evidence was found to indicate involvement in extremist networks or coordinated planning beyond his sole actions.
Director Patel emphasized that despite the scale and depth of the inquiry, no co-conspirators or external involvement were identified.
“The scale of this investigation reflects the seriousness of the incident and our commitment to ensuring that no detail was overlooked,” Director Patel stated. “Our findings demonstrate that Thomas Crooks planned and executed the attack independently, with no indication that others were aware of or connected to his intent.”
Crime
Aleksandr Aleksand Shablykin Fatally Stabs Mother Zoya Shablykin and Three Others at Key Peninsula Home
Five people, including the suspect, are dead following a violent stabbing incident and subsequent deputy-involved shooting Tuesday morning in the 14000 block of 87th Avenue Court Northwest near Gig Harbor, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).
Authorities identified the suspect as 32-year-old Aleksandr Aleksand Shablykin.
Investigators say the incident began as a reported protection order violation and escalated into a deadly stabbing attack in a residential cul-de-sac.
Dispatchers received the first 911 call at approximately 8:41 a.m. reporting an “order violation in progress.” According to the sheriff’s office, an adult male had gone to a residence despite a no-contact protection order involving a female occupant of the home.
Deputies later clarified that although a protection order had been granted, it had not yet been formally served to the suspect and therefore was not legally enforceable at the time.
Deputies were en route to serve the order when the situation rapidly escalated.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., additional emergency calls reported that the man was actively stabbing individuals outside the home. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with at least one victim attacked in the middle of the street in front of multiple bystanders.
A deputy arrived on scene minutes later.
According to Officer Shelbie Boyd, spokesperson for the Pierce County Force Investigation Team (PCFIT), gunfire was reported at 9:33 a.m.
“We have the adult male suspect who was shot by the deputy,” Boyd said during a press briefing.
Shablykin was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not yet released specific details regarding the exchange of gunfire but confirmed that the investigation remains active.
Deputies located four adult victims at the scene.
Three were pronounced dead at the residence. A fourth victim was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to their injuries.
One of the victims was identified as 52-year-old Zoya Shablykin, the suspect’s mother.
Authorities stated that relationships between the suspect and the additional victims remain under investigation.
Witness accounts suggest that neighbors may have intervened in an attempt to stop the attack.
Court records linked to the residence show that in April 2025, Zoya Shablykin petitioned for a protection order against her adult son. The order was granted in May.
In her petition, she alleged ongoing threats, harassment, and erratic behavior, including prior physical aggression. The filing referenced concerns about his mental health and stated he had previously pushed and threatened her.
The protection order prohibited the son from possessing weapons and from coming within 1,000 feet of his mother, her home, vehicle, or workplace. The order also required him to comply with a treatment plan and prescribed medications.
Investigators confirmed that although the order had been approved by the court, it had not yet been formally served to the suspect at the time of the incident. Deputies were attempting to serve the documentation when the stabbing occurred.
Court records indicate Shablykin had multiple prior contacts with law enforcement dating back to 2020, primarily involving traffic-related offenses, including driving without a valid license and refusing to identify himself during traffic stops. Records reflect at least 14 separate cases. A 2023 trespassing charge was dismissed.
A family acquaintance told media outlets that other immediate family members were not present at the residence during the attack and were safe elsewhere at the time of the incident.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and the Pierce County Force Investigation Team are continuing to investigate both the stabbing deaths and the deputy-involved shooting. Authorities have not yet released the names of the additional victims pending notification of next of kin.
Officials described the event as a tragic escalation of a domestic situation that unfolded rapidly despite law enforcement response efforts.
Further updates are expected as the investigation proceeds.