A phone review of the man who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump last month in Pennsylvania revealed photos and internet searches of James Comer, Kentucky’s Republican 1st Congressional District congressman, Comer’s team told The Lexington Herald-Leader Saturday.
The congressman was searched by Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old gunman who attempted to kill Trump at a Butler, Pennsylvania, rally on July 13. A bullet grazed the former president’s ear, missing his head by less than an inch. Crooks was shot and killed moments after attempting to take Trump’s life.
The gunman killed one person and injured three others, including Trump, in the attack.
Comer has recently gained national attention (praised by many conservatives, panned by Democrats) for chairing the House Oversight Committee, which included calling for impeachment of the president and leading a high-profile investigation into President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter.
FBI officials said previously that Crooks was interested in powerful people, often crossing political lines, including searches of both Trump and President Joe Biden. He also had searched for Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray, as well as a member of the British royal family.
The revelation that Comer was included on that list led, in part, to increased security at the 144th-annual St. Jerome Fancy Farm Picnic, the largest political speaking event in the state. Unlike in years past, the event featured multiple guards armed with assault rifles and a military-style truck decked out with multiple guns and armor.
“The FBI did inform us that the Trump shooter had Comer pictures and searches on his phone. He has additional security today,” a Comer spokesperson said.
The spokesperson did not provide any other details on the nature of Crooks’ searches and photos of Comer or the nature of Comer’s extra security.
Comer was expected to speak at the event, largely because he represents much of far West Kentucky. Speakers also included Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, most all Republican statewide elected officials and House Democratic Caucus Chair Cherlynn Stevenson.
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