FBI Director Christopher Wray shed new light on Thomas Matthew Crooks's assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, disclosing previously unknown details during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday. Wray addressed Crooks's internet activity, his drone usage at the rally site, and a disturbing search pattern pointing towards historical presidential assassinations.

During the session, Wray revealed that the FBI had decoded a Google search performed by Crooks on July 6 for information about Lee Harvey Oswald's assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Crooks searched how far away Oswald was from Kennedy, a query completed the same day he registered to attend Trump's speech. This search was deemed significant as it illuminated Crooks's state of mind and preparation.

Wray elaborated on Crooks's movements and activities on the day of the attempt. At approximately 3:50 p.m., Crooks maneuvered a drone within 200 yards of the rally stage where Trump was scheduled to appear two hours later. The FBI's reverse engineering of the drone's flight path suggested Crooks was possibly live streaming the rally footage for about 11 minutes.

The director also demystified false media reports about a social media post attributing to Crooks, clarifying that the post was a sick joke by another individual. Moreover, it was revealed Crooks had purchased the AR-15 rifle used in the attack from his father in October 2023 and was known to be a “fairly avid shooting hobbyist.” However, the motive behind Crooks's heinous actions remains obscure as the FBI continues to delve into his encrypted electronic devices.

The hearing contrasted with the House Oversight Committee's preceding session, where Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle faced intense bipartisan criticism for inadequate information on security lapses. Cheatle later resigned, acknowledging her failure to fully address lawmakers' queries. In contrast, Wray's testimony brought crucial details to light and avoided addressing the Secret Service's shortcomings, focusing instead on investigative findings related to Crooks.

Wray shared Crooks visited the Butler Farm Show grounds, the rally location, one week before and again on the day of the event. Initial site access investigations indicated he used mechanical equipment and vertical piping to gain roof access, debunking early reports of ladder usage. The FBI recovered a bloodied receipt for a five-foot ladder Crooks purchased, although the ladder wasn't found at the scene.

Democratic Representative Hank Johnson raised Project 2025, a policy framework devised by the Heritage Foundation for the next Republican president's initial 120 days in office, claiming it mandated the FBI Director's direct reporting to the President. Wray labeled this “unwise.” This politically charged issue added another dimension to the already tense atmosphere of the hearing.

Despite the multitude of details, a comprehensive picture of Crooks's motive remains elusive. Wray characterized Crooks as a “loner” with no known accomplices and lacking definitive ideological beliefs. Wray emphasized the investigation's complexity and the critical need to access encrypted communication channels, posing continuous hurdles for law enforcement agencies.

The shocking attempt at Trump's life, the first on a president or former president in four decades, left one dead, two critically injured, and Trump with minor injuries. Wray's testimony has heightened the urgency for answers, with both sides of the political aisle demanding clarity and accountability in this extraordinarily significant case.