Security News > 2024 > July > FBI gains access to Trump rally shooter's phone

The FBI on Monday revealed it has gained access to a phone it says was used by Thomas Matthew Crooks - the man who shot at and wounded former US president Donald Trump on July 13 in an apparent failed assassination attempt.

The bureau hasn't explained how it got into the cellphone, though it is known to have previously acquired capabilities that allow it to access locked devices - and even view encrypted content - despite the use of passwords and/or biometric authentication.

The contents of Crooks' phone are hoped to contain information that leads to an understanding of the 20-year-old registered-Republican's motives, and possibly intelligence that helps authorities determine whether he acted alone or communicated with others who may have planned further acts of violence.

Crooks sparked chaos when he opened fire at Trump from a nearby roof during an open-air election rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, leaving the former president with a bloodied ear.

The feds haven't offered any indication of when they might complete their analysis of the phone.

Which suggests the bureau has more than a phone to work with.

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2024/07/16/fbi_access_trump_shooting_phone/