FBI Cracks Open Trump Assailant's Securely Locked Smartphone with Password
Headline: FBI Cracks Thomas Matthew Crooks' Secure Phone, Delves Deeper into Assassination Attempt on Ex-President Trump
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Here's the lowdown on that encrypted phone of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old who took a shot at Donald Trump. The FBI's now got their hands on it, courtesy of some tech whizzes from Cellebrite. The catch? It took some top-secret, fresh-off-the-mill software to crack the beast[1].
At first, attempting to decipher Crooks' device proved a challenge - Cellebrite's existing software ran into a roadblock because of the phone's advanced security[2]. But fear not, due to the wonders of innovation, the FBI scored new, cutting-edge software from Cellebrite's federal team. Bam! The phone was unlocked in a jiffy, exactly 40 minutes to be precise[1].
Now that the phone's out in the open, what juicy tidbits will it give us? Boosting the motive behind the assassination attempt? As of now, that remains a mystery[2]. The FBI maintained silence when Gizmodo tossed them an email on Monday afternoon, but later informed 404 Media that specialists were pouring over the phone's contents[2].
Additional details about the method employed by the FBI and the exploration of Crooks' other digital gadgets are being kept under wraps for now[2]. The agency did reveal, however, that they've now conducted a thorough search of the gunman's car, residence, and received a plethora of digital media hints, including snaps and videos from the crime scene[2]. Over 90 interviews with law enforcement officers, event attendees, and witnesses have also been conducted by the FBI[2].
On Saturday, Crooks fired shots at Trump from a nearby rooftop in Butler, Pennsylvania while Trump was busy making exhortations during a rally. Fortunately, Trump wasn't hit, but a bystander, Corey Comperatore, lost his life, and two others, David Dutch and James Copenhaver, sustained injuries[2].
Back in 2015, the FBI had some troubles cracking Syed Rizwan Farook's phone following a deadly shooting in San Bernardino, California[1]. Despite attempts from the NSA, FBI, and security experts from Australia, they failed to unlock the phone. But eventually, they managed to get it open, thanks to the help of said Australian experts[1].
This incident involving Crooks has put the spotlight back on political violence in the U.S., with Trump's volatile rhetoric once again stirring up apprehension and hostility[2]. Recently, Trump announced his choice for running mate - J.D. Vance, who initially criticized Trump but has since changed his tune and is now championing his cause[2]. Vance's endorsement has only intensified the fear, as Trump has proposed some controversial ideas, like calling for the execution of Gen. Mark Milley, trying Liz Cheney in military tribunals, and imprisoning Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, among others[2]. It's not just Trump's ideological stance causing a stir, but his controversial state policy agenda, which includes plans to deport millions, dismantle the civil service, and roll back civil rights for trans people, to name a few[2].
While President Joe Biden's reign isn't looking too peachy, with Trump pulling ahead in various key states[3], it's unclear whether Biden can reverse the trend[3]. The President has expressed his intention to stick it out, though there's growing speculation about whether he's the one with the winning formula that can outpace Trump[3]. With Biden's prospects looking dim, all anyone can do is keep their fingers crossed and hope for the best.
- In the future, technology advancements might assist the FBI in faster decryption of secure phones like they did with Thomas Matthew Crooks' device.
- The FBI's successful extraction of tips from Crooks' phone could potentially shed light on the motive behind the assassination attempt on former President Trump.
- As the FBI continues its search through Crooks' digital devices, they've asked for public help, requesting anyone with relevant information to retweet or share tips using the hashtag '#CrooksInvestigation' on social media.
- If future technology can help agencies like the FBI crack advanced secure phones, the average citizen's privacy concerns might grow as investigative methods evolve.
