The father of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the man who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump, has retained a prominent criminal defense attorney as the FBI deepens its investigation into the parents' potential involvement.
According to Daily Mail Online, Matthew Crooks, 53, and his wife Mary, 53, have hired Quinn Logue, a Pittsburgh-based law firm specializing in criminal defense and civil litigation.
The FBI is reportedly still questioning how much the parents knew about their son's plans prior to the July 13 assassination attempt at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. This development comes as new details emerge about the family's background and the shooter's preparation for the attack.
Father's Gun Enthusiast Background Raises Questions
Matthew Crooks, described by a family member as a gun enthusiast, has reportedly sold firearms to relatives in the past.
This revelation adds another layer to the investigation, as authorities seek to understand the environment in which Thomas Crooks grew up and how he obtained the weapons used in the attack.
The AR-15-style rifle used in the shooting was legally purchased by Matthew Crooks in 2013 and transferred to his son in 2023. This information, combined with the family's apparent familiarity with firearms, has intensified scrutiny of the parents' potential awareness of their son's intentions.
In the aftermath of the shooting, law enforcement removed 14 firearms from the Crooks family home, along with explosives and various electronic devices.
FBI Continues To Probe Shooter's Motives And Preparations
The FBI's investigation has uncovered intriguing details about Thomas Crooks' online activity leading up to the attack. Notably, he searched for information on Michigan mass shooter Ethan Crumbley and his parents, who were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for failing to prevent their son's school shooting.
Investigators also discovered that Crooks had visited the Clairton Sportsmen's Club the day before the incident to practice on the rifle range. The range offers targets at distances similar to those from which Crooks fired at Trump during the rally.
A family friend spoke about Crooks' apparent mental health decline in recent years:
In the past couple of years he started suffering what we all suspected was mental health issues. We never knew for sure if he had been diagnosed or if he was being medicated but he started growing his hair long, he withdrew. There was nothing super alarming but looking back of course you question what was missed? His father was a psychologist. I'm not blaming the parents, but did he suppress something? Was there some denial there? Was there anything hidden?
Potential Legal Implications For Shooter's Parents
The hiring of Quinn Logue, a law firm recognized among the top 50 in Pittsburgh, suggests that Matthew and Mary Crooks may be preparing for possible criminal charges or civil lawsuits. The firm's expertise in both criminal defense and civil cases, including wrongful death and personal injury, indicates the seriousness with which the parents are approaching their legal situation.
This development draws parallels to the case of Ethan Crumbley's parents, who were held legally responsible for their son's actions. The precedent set by that case may have influenced the Crooks' decision to secure high-profile legal representation.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together a clear motive for the shooting and determine the extent of any potential involvement or knowledge on the part of Thomas Crooks' parents.
Conclusion
The FBI's ongoing investigation into the Trump assassination attempt has taken a new turn, with the shooter's parents hiring a prominent law firm. The focus on the family's background, particularly the father's history with firearms, raises questions about potential oversight or negligence.
As authorities continue to probe Thomas Crooks' online activities and preparations, the legal implications for his parents remain uncertain. The case continues to unfold, with many unanswered questions about the shooter's motives and the circumstances leading up to the attack.
