FBI unlocks Trump shooter’s phone in 40 minutes
The FBI was assisted by the Israeli firm Cellebrite.
The FBI successfully unlocked the phone of Thomas Matthew Crooks, who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump, with assistance from the Israeli firm Cellebrite. The bureau contacted Cellebrite for advanced forensic software tools after failing with older versions. Within hours, Cellebrite provided new software, enabling the FBI to unlock the phone in just 40 minutes.
Crooks, 20, was killed by US Secret Service snipers after shooting at Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania, injuring three others. The FBI hopes the phone will reveal crucial information about Crooks’ motivation, as searches of his home and computer have yielded no significant clues.
Pictures of US Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump were found on the phone. Cellebrite, known for aiding law enforcement globally, has faced criticism for its technology being misused by malicious actors.
About author
DW Team
The GIP Digital Watch Observatory team, consisting of over 30 digital policy experts from around the world, excels in the fields of research and analysis on digital policy issues. The team is backed by the creative prowess of Creative Lab Diplo and the technical expertise of the Diplo tech team.