FBI, DHS warn of potential follow-up and retaliatory attacks following attempted Trump assassination

A joint Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Homeland Security bulletin released following the assassination attempt on Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally has revealed that the agencies are concerned about the potential for follow-up or retaliatory attacks.

The bulletin stated, "On 13 July, prior to arriving at the campaign rally, [Thomas Matthew] Crooks purchased 50 rounds of ammunition from a gun and ammunition shop in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. In a search subsequent to the shooting, the FBI found three suspected improvised explosive devices: one at Crooks’ residence and two in Crooks’ vehicle parked near the event; all three devices were rendered safe.

"Over the last several months, Crooks received multiple packages, including some parked as possible containing hazardous material, according to a review of his shipping history," the bulletin added.

The four-page bulletin was first obtained by Politico, with the agencies stating that "This attack reinforces our assessment that election-related targets are under a heightened threat of attack or other types of disruptive incidents."

The agencies noted that prior to the assassination attempt, "we had observed disruptive tactics against targets related to the 2024 US general election cycle, similar to the last two election cycles, including hoax bomb threats, swatting, doxing, and white powder letters targeting election officials and offices. In many of these cases, the perpetrator and the perpetrator's motive remain unknown. However, these tactics very likely are intended to intimidate and disrupt election operations."

"The FBI and DHS remain concerned about the potential for follow-on or retaliatory acts of violence following this attack, particularly given that individuals in some online communities have threatened, encouraged, or referenced acts of violence in response to the attempted assassination. Lone actors or DVEs [Domestic Violence Extremists] operating in small cells, likely will continue to view publicly accessible locations like political rallies and campaign events as attractive targets."

An FBI source told Fox News, "We continue to face very real threats from those who seek to undermine our elections. The FBI remains vigilant in our efforts to detect and assess possible threats and, as always, we encourage the public to promptly report suspicious activities which could represent a threat to public safety."

Trump was struck by a bullet in the ear on Saturday shot by Crooks, a 20-year-old male from a nearby Pennsylvania town. Two others were injured in the shooting and a former fire chief, Corey Comperatore, was killed when he shielded his family from the shooting at the rally.