A 20-year-old named Thomas Matthew Crooks attempted to assassinate President Donald Trump on July 13, 2024, firing eight shots and injuring three people. Doug Hagmann, a private investigator, believes there may have been a criminal network involved with Crooks during the assassination attempt.

Rep. Clay Higgins claimed Crooks acted alone, attributing possible motives to prescription drugs rather than conspiracy.

Friends described Crooks as a brilliant student, challenging the narrative of him as a troubled loner.