An online account purportedly linked to Thomas Matthew Crooks, the would-be assassin of former President Donald Trump, has been confirmed as fake, according to sources familiar with the investigation.
An online post referred to the attack date as “premiere,” according to a law enforcement official and a source familiar with a briefing given to U.S. lawmakers, but it has since been debunked.
The information was shared with multiple media outlets on Wednesday.
However, a thorough investigation by federal authorities, including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, has determined that the suspect did not create or maintain the account in question. Instead, it appears to have been part of a disinformation campaign aimed at misleading the public and inflaming political tensions.
“The online profile that has been widely circulated does not belong to the individual in custody,” a source close to the investigation told the Associated Press on condition of anonymity. “We are now focusing on tracing the origins of this fraudulent account and understanding its purpose.”
Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire from the roof of a building near the rally, striking Trump in the right ear. The attack also resulted in the fatal shooting of attendee Corey Comperatore, 50, and injuries to two others, James Copenhaver, 74, and David Dutch, 57.
Law enforcement sources revealed that Crooks had conducted online searches for images of Trump and President Biden prior to the shooting. He also searched for information about Trump’s public appearances and dates, as well as details related to the Democratic National Convention.
Sources indicated that Crooks had visited the site of Trump’s rally at least once before the day of the attack, suggesting a level of premeditation and planning.
Read: Alarming Details Seep From Investigation Into Trump’s Assassination Attempt, LEO Talk Show
Authorities are continuing to investigate Crooks’s actions and motivations, aiming to piece together the full scope of his plans and any potential connections or affiliations.
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