First Trump Assassin's Digital Footprint Under Scrutiny Following Second Attempt Conviction

Dinesh D'Souza, a prominent conservative commentator, recently drew attention to "sinister videos" purportedly linked to the individual behind the first assassination attempt on Donald Trump. The revelation comes as legal proceedings conclude for the suspect in a second, separate attempt, highlighting ongoing concerns about political violence and security surrounding the former president.

The "first Trump assassin" refers to Thomas Matthew Crooks, who opened fire at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. During the incident, Crooks was fatally shot by Secret Service agents, and Trump sustained a minor ear injury. D'Souza's recent social media post, which included a link, described the alleged videos as "extremely disturbing," implying a deeper, unsettling context to Crooks' actions.

Investigations into the Butler incident by the FBI reportedly uncovered encrypted messaging applications from foreign countries, including Belgium, New Zealand, and Germany, on Crooks' device. Former President Trump has publicly demanded full disclosure from the Secret Service regarding these findings, questioning the presence of such "foreign apps" and seeking to understand the motives behind the attack.

This renewed focus on the 2024 attempts coincides with the recent conviction of Ryan Wesley Routh, the individual responsible for a second assassination attempt on Trump. Routh was found guilty on September 23, 2025, for his actions on September 15, 2024, when he was apprehended with a rifle at the Trump International Golf Club in Florida. Trump also noted Routh possessed "six cell phones," demanding further details from authorities.

A House Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump, established after the Pennsylvania shooting, released its final report in December 2024. The bipartisan panel concluded that the Butler incident was preventable and made numerous recommendations to enhance presidential security measures. The report underscored the evolving threats faced by high-profile political figures and the complexities of preventing such attacks.