Trump would-be assassin Thomas Crooks secretly texted unknown contacts about 3D-printed gun 'parts' before Butler shooting

From the Newshound archive · first published 3 October 2026 · last updated 4 October 2026.

FBI documents released via a Freedom of Information Act request reveal Thomas Matthew Crooks exchanged messages with unidentified contacts about 3D-printed "parts" shortly before his attempt on President Trump's life at Butler, Pennsylvania in July 2024. His father Matthew told investigators Thomas had used carbon fibre plastic, a dryer and a toaster oven to build a Glock 19, firing it only once before Matthew banned him from using it. The documents, obtained by Judicial Watch, include what investigators described as coded language and gibberish sent to mystery recipients.

In a February 2023 text, an unknown contact asked Crooks 'Did you 3D print the parts?' and he replied 'Yes, except for the fan blades.'

Matthew Crooks told investigators he feared the 3D-printed Glock's frame would explode, which is why he allowed only one test round to be fired.

FBI records flagged dozens of messages as 'deemed pertinent' to the assassination attempt investigation, with key recipients' names still redacted.