Facts Matter — FBI Director Issues Update on Trump Rally Shooter
Podcast: Facts Matter (The Epoch Times)
Host: Roman
Date: November 21, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode is centered around recent updates from the FBI regarding the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. Host Roman discusses FBI Director Kash Patel’s statement confirming that the shooter, Thomas Crooks, acted alone. The episode also covers two related incidents: the failed assassination attempt by Ryan Ruth in Florida, and the discovery of a suspicious hunting platform near Air Force One’s landing zone, which may not be connected to any real threat. Roman provides detailed commentary on each case and shares broader reflections on government transparency and investigative processes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. FBI Update on Thomas Crooks (00:00-07:00)

• FBI Director Kash Patel’s Statement:

  • On November 14, Patel publicly updated the nation on the findings in the Thomas Crooks case, emphasizing that Crooks “acted alone” in his attempt to assassinate Trump.
  • Quote: “Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20 year old who attempted to assassinate then presidential candidate Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania in July of 2024, planned and executed the attack on his own, with the FBI finding no evidence of accomplices or prior discussions by him of his intent.” [00:58]
  • The scope of the FBI investigation was extensive: over 480 FBI personnel, 1,000+ interviews, 2,000 public tips, digital analysis of 13 devices, review of nearly 500,000 files, and investigation into financial and social media activity.
  • Quote (Patel): “Over 480 FBI employees conducted over 1,000 interviews, addressed over 2,000 public tips, analyzed data extracted from 13 seized digital devices, reviewed nearly 500,000 digital files … Crooks had limited online and in-person interactions with [others], planned and conducted the attack alone, and did not leak or share his intent to engage in the attack with anyone.” [02:25]

• Foreign Accounts:

  • Previous congressional data mentioned Crooks had encrypted accounts in Belgium, Germany, and New Zealand, but Patel’s recent update downplays concerns about any foreign connection.
  • Roman invites listener feedback: “Let me know in the comments section below if you agree with that assessment.” [03:45]

• Transparency Lawsuit:

  • America First Legal (AFL), a pro-Trump nonprofit, is suing the Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security for records on the Butler incident, seeking documents on security staffing and internal communications.
  • Noted irony: Despite Stephen Miller (founder of AFL and now a Trump adviser) being close to the White House, his organization must sue for these government documents.
  • “It is perhaps worth mentioning how ironic it is that ... Stephen Miller is within the closest inner circle ... but his organization is still having to sue the government for these documents …” [05:35]

2. Other Trump Assassination Attempts (07:00-17:00)

A. Ryan Ruth Incident (07:10-13:00)

• Background:

  • In September 2024, Ryan Ruth attempted to assassinate Trump at a Florida golf course with a rifle, waited for 10 hours hidden in bushes, and was detected by a Secret Service agent.
  • Found guilty on all charges but attempted self-harm in court upon hearing the verdict.
  • Ruth later requested to serve his sentence in a state allowing assisted suicide (“medical aid in dying”), stating he is a “constant failure” and offering to be traded for American prisoners abroad.
  • Quote from Ruth’s filing: “Trade me for a Palestinian prisoner in Israel to have my spot in Hawaii or a POW of Ukraine suffering in Russia or any prisoner anywhere that is suffering … Do not let me take my own life and have zero benefit for humanity or mankind.” [11:45]

• Legal and Human Interest Context:

  • Roman reflects, “I’ll go out on a limb here and say there’s very little chance of any of those trades actually happening.” [12:45]
  • Judges’ prison recommendations are nonbinding; ultimate decision is with the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
  • States permitting assisted suicide are listed for reference.

B. The Tree Stand Incident (13:00-17:00)

• Discovery and Suspicion:

  • A “hunting platform” was found in a tree overlooking where Air Force One would land in West Palm Beach, Florida, initially raising suspicions of a potential assassination plot.
  • The stand was quickly removed and sent to the FBI lab for forensic analysis.

• Local Hunter’s Commentary:

  • Mike Kimmel, known as “Python Cowboy,” believes the stand had been there for years and was unrelated to Trump or current events.
  • Quote (Kimmel): “When we had first seen it, Joe Biden was president, and it looked old and dilapidated at the time. … It never gave, like, a suspicious vibe.” [15:09]
  • Kimmel also said: “It’s been just sitting out there in the elements … I’d expect them to investigate something like that for sure, but I’d also kind of expect them to figure out very quickly that it’s essentially nothing.” [15:58]

• Official Status:

  • No updates since the initial discovery; the FBI continues to analyze, but, “the investigation has not identified any individuals connected to the mystery tree perch.” [16:30]

3. Summary of Developments (17:00-18:00)

• Thomas Crooks: Officially ruled a lone gunman.
• Ryan Ruth: Convicted, requested assisted suicide, and proposed prisoner swaps.
• Hunting Stand: Likely unrelated to Trump, possibly years old.

4. Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On FBI investigation:
  “Meaning that Thomas Crooks was a real 20-year-old lone gunman.” [03:10]
• On transparency and government lawsuits:
  “...his organization … is still having to sue the government for these documents rather than just Stephen Miller walking over to the office of the DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and asking for them.” [06:10]
• On the hunting stand controversy:
  “There are no elk in West Palm Beach. There’s nothing really to hunt there at all.” [14:15]
• On Kimmel’s perspective:
  “It never crossed our minds that it would be used by someone taking a shot at the President or anything like that.” [15:19]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00-03:30 — FBI Director Kash Patel’s public statement and findings on Thomas Crooks
• 03:30-05:45 — Investigation breadth, data, and resources detailed
• 05:45-07:00 — Lawsuit by America First Legal for government transparency
• 07:10-13:00 — Ryan Ruth’s assassination attempt, trial, and unusual requests
• 13:00-17:00 — Hunting platform discovery near Air Force One, investigation, and local expert commentary

Tone and Language

Roman’s reporting maintains a straightforward, fact-focused style with occasional dry humor and gentle irony, particularly when discussing bureaucratic oddities or the unexpected aspects of these violent incidents. Quotes from official statements and court documents are woven directly into the narrative, providing authenticity and depth.

Summary

This episode of Facts Matter delivers a clear, thorough update on three attempted assassinations involving Donald Trump, focusing on facts from official statements, court proceedings, and investigative updates. With detailed examples, direct quotes, and an eye for both context and process, Roman ensures listeners leave well-informed but free to draw their own conclusions about the events discussed.