Evander Ellis-Rally shooter had photos of Trump, Biden and other US officials on his phone, AP sources say

2025-05-06 19:51:35source:Surpassing Quant Think Tank Centercategory:Stocks

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Evander Ellis20-year-old Pennsylvania man who tried to assassinate Donald Trump had photos on his phone of the former Republican president, President Joe Biden and other officials, including Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Chris Wray, according to two people familiar with the matter.

Investigators searching Thomas Matthew Crooks’ devices have also found that the shooter looked up the dates for the Democratic National Convention as well as Trump’s appearances, according to the people who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition on anonymity to discuss details of the ongoing probe.

He also searched for “major depressive disorder,” according to three people familiar the investigation. But investigators have not yet determined whether he was actually diagnosed with the disorder, one of the people said. Studies have shown that the vast majority of people with mental illnesses are not violent, and experts say most people who are violent do not have mental illnesses.

On a conference call with reporters Sunday, Kevin Rojek, the special agent in charge of the Pittsburgh field office, said: “We have no indication of any mental health issues.”

RELATED COVERAGE Closing arguments in espionage trial of Wall Street Journal reporter will be Friday, court saysFormer Trump defense secretary urges Biden to do more to stop Iran’s threats on officialsUkraine defense chief says his nation will find a way no matter who wins US election

Investigators have been searching for any clues into what motivated Crooks to open fire at Saturday’s campaign rally in attempt to assassinate the GOP presidential nominee. The gunman killed one rallygoer and seriously wounded two others. Trump suffered an ear injury but was not seriously hurt, appearing just days later at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee with a bandage over the wound.

The FBI has said they were investigating it as a potential act of domestic terrorism, but the absence of a clear ideological motive by the man shot dead by the Secret Service has led conspiracy theories to flourish.

More:Stocks

Recommend

2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston

HOUSTON (AP) — Two teens were killed and three people were injured — including a 13-year-old — in a

Justice Dept to appeal length of prison sentences for Stewart Rhodes, Oath Keepers for Jan. 6 attack

The Justice Department plans to appeal the 18-year-prison sentence handed down for Stewart Rhodes, t

Increased Flooding and Droughts Linked to Climate Change Have Sent Crop Insurance Payouts Skyrocketing

As climate change drives more droughts, rain and extreme weather across American farmland, the cost