The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has debunked claims that Thomas Matthew Crooks, the individual who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump, had sizeable overseas bank accounts.
USA Today reported that the FBI confirmed there is no evidence supporting the assertion that Crooks possessed three overseas bank accounts totaling $1.5 million.
On July 27, an Instagram post circulated claiming that Crooks, aged 20, held three bank accounts in Switzerland, the Cayman Islands, and Singapore. The post suggested these accounts amounted to $1.5 million in total.
The post quickly gained traction, amassing over 11,000 likes within ten days. It was widely shared across other platforms like Threads, Facebook, and Instagram.
The post included the following message: "So who opened his 3 bank accounts offshore? One in Switzerland, one in the Cayman Islands, and one in Singapore totaling 1.5 millions (sic) dollars. So he is not a lone wolf!"
The FBI responded to these claims, stating unequivocally that no evidence supports the assertion that Crooks held any overseas bank accounts. An FBI spokesperson told USA TODAY, "The investigation to date has not uncovered any evidence that the shooter had overseas bank accounts."
Crooks had been shot and killed by a Secret Service agent after he opened fire during a Trump rally on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The FBI had initially indicated on July 14 that Crooks had acted alone in the assassination attempt.
The FBI further clarified that their investigation remains ongoing. They are currently working to access encrypted messaging applications that Crooks used. FBI Director Christopher Wray, during a House Judiciary Committee hearing, noted that these encrypted platforms were indeed messaging applications.
Following the Instagram post, there has been no credible news source supporting the claim of Crooks having multiple overseas bank accounts. The assertions appear to lack a basis in verifiable evidence.
FBI director Christopher Wray's statement during the House Judiciary Committee hearing emphasized the absence of financial connections as initially rumored. Efforts continue to decrypt and analyze the messaging applications used by Crooks.
The incident underscores the rapid spread of misinformation on social media platforms and highlights the critical role of investigative bodies like the FBI in dispelling unfounded claims.
Since the assassination attempt, the Bureau has remained actively involved in uncovering the full extent of Crooks's activities and acquaintances. This includes attempting to unlock and examine the contents of encrypted applications he used regularly.
The notion that Crooks was not a "lone wolf" due to alleged financial backing has been categorically debunked by the FBI’s continuous investigations into his assets and communications.
Efforts by the FBI to uncover any substantial evidence that Crooks had any substantial financial assets abroad have so far proven unfruitful. Their statements emphasize the importance of relying on verified information before drawing conclusions from social media posts.
The FBI has effectively invalidated the claims that Thomas Matthew Crooks possessed three overseas bank accounts containing $1.5 million.
Initial reports of his lone actor status have not changed, and FBI efforts continue to decrypt the messaging applications used by Crooks. The rapid spread of misinformation across multiple social media platforms underscores the need for accredited sources and thorough investigations before accepting such claims as facts.
