The FBI has publicly rejected allegations made by conservative commentator Tucker Carlson regarding the bureau’s handling of information about Thomas Crooks, the 20-year-old gunman who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump in July 2024. Carlson claimed the FBI “lied” when it allegedly said Crooks had “no online footprint,” and he promised evidence to disprove this. In response, the FBI Rapid Response account on X firmly denied ever making such a statement, asserting, “This FBI has never said Thomas Crooks had no online footprint. Ever.” The exchange set off renewed public debate about transparency surrounding the investigation.

More than a year after the shooting, details about Crooks remain limited. During a 2024 Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Crooks fired eight rounds from an AR-15-style rifle from a rooftop, grazing Trump’s ear and killing one spectator while injuring two others. A Secret Service counter-sniper fatally shot him within seconds. The attack revealed significant security failures and led to the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle. An independent review later concluded the agency required “fundamental reform” in its operations and protocols.

In a 35-minute video posted Friday morning, Carlson presented what he described as suppressed material, including footage allegedly pulled from Crooks’ Google Drive. The clip showed Crooks dry-firing a weapon at paper targets. Carlson also shared what he claimed were details of Crooks’ online presence, citing YouTube comments and numerous digital accounts linked through Crooks’ phone number. He asserted that Gmail addresses, social media accounts, financial app profiles, and various online platforms demonstrated a “robust online footprint,” contradicting the FBI’s supposed earlier position.

Carlson questioned why the FBI asked whether he had verified the accounts, calling the request unnecessary because he felt the authenticity was “self-evident.” Meanwhile, the FBI Rapid Response account emphasized that it represents the bureau’s current leadership and was created only in November 2025, meaning earlier comments from former officials would not contradict its statement. Although online users circulated a screenshot showing an attached Community Note referencing former Deputy Director Paul Abbate, the note was later removed. The FBI maintained its stance, reiterating on November 14, “This FBI has never said Thomas Crooks had no online footprint. Ever.”