The FBI has sought the assistance of the Israeli tech company Cellebrite to aid in the investigation of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old man from Pennsylvania who attempted to assassinate former President Trump at a rally on July 13. Instead, he fatally wounded a supporter in the crowd. Cellebrite is known for its expertise in unlocking smartphones from various tech companies and operating systems. While a software patch from Cellebrite helped investigators access Crooks’ phone quickly after the shooting, the company is not involved in the investigation’s findings.
The FBI has not confirmed Cellebrite’s involvement in the Crooks probe, stating that they do not disclose the tools or techniques they use. The investigation goes beyond accessing data on Crooks’ phone; authorities have reached out to providers of encrypted messaging services for information. Despite obtaining search history and evidence from Crooks’ phone, encrypted apps have posed a challenge for investigators.
Cellebrite provides tools to access encrypted apps and hidden data on a suspect’s smartphone once legal authorization is obtained. Most modern smartphone apps use encryption to protect data, regardless of where they were developed. Reports of Crooks using encrypted apps and storing data overseas have raised concerns about his contacts and motives, especially in light of a known Iranian threat against Trump.
While investigators have not found evidence of co-conspirators, both foreign and domestic, encrypted information remains a significant obstacle. The FBI has accessed some of Crooks’ emails but remains unable to decrypt certain communications. They are awaiting responses from app companies regarding legal requests.
In addition to examining social media activity linked to the gunman, investigators are exploring differing viewpoints expressed by Crooks online. Trump has announced plans to return to Butler for a rally in honor of the bystander killed by Crooks. Crooks fatally wounded Corey Comperatore and critically injured David Dutch and James Copenhaver during the assassination attempt.
The FBI is keeping an open mind until all results are obtained, acknowledging that encrypted information is a crucial piece of the puzzle. The involvement of Cellebrite underscores the complex nature of the investigation into Crooks’ attempted assassination of former President Trump.
