Post Reports Trump was shot a year ago. Why do we still know so little?
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Jul 13, 2025 Carol Leonnig, an investigative reporter for The Washington Post, discusses the shocking incident where Thomas Crooks attempted to assassinate Donald Trump. She dives into the mysterious background of Crooks, revealing a troubling lack of motive and personal connections that complicate the investigation. The conversation also covers critical security failures that allowed Crooks to get dangerously close to Trump and the ongoing implications for political safety. Leonnig raises important questions about the need for improved security protocols for public figures.
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Unclear Motive of Shooter
- Thomas Crooks fits many traits of classic mass shooters but lacked a manifesto explaining his motives.
- Despite exhaustive investigations, no clear ideological or political motive has emerged.
Shooter's Double Life Revealed
- Thomas Crooks led a double life: high academic achiever and secretive planner of violent acts.
- He researched explosives and scouting political events extensively before the shooting.
Mixed Political Views of Shooter
- Crooks did not have a strong or fixed political ideology and showed mixed political interests.
- His family displayed varied political affiliations and his politics were not definitive.
