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
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.