Full Breakdown
Alleged Email Link Between Butler Deputy and Trump Assailant
6/7/2026, 8:45:18 AM
Alleged Email Exchange
On July 13, 2024, Thomas Matthew Crooks attempted to assassinate Donald Trump at a rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania. In June 2026, commentator David Harris Jr. asserted that Butler County, Ohio Deputy Kinlee Hoyle exchanged two emails with Crooks before the attack, a claim that quickly spread online.
Background
The July 13 shooting wounded Trump and triggered a federal investigation. The FBI interviewed local law-enforcement officials, including members of the Butler County, Ohio sheriff’s office, in the weeks after the incident.
Key Figures
Thomas Matthew Crooks – shooter; Deputy Kinlee Hoyle – officer named by Harris; Sheriff Richard K. Jones – Butler County sheriff; David Harris Jr. – commentator; Tom Fitton – Judicial Watch president; Heather Champion, Sara Gonzales, Kaelan Deese, Shane Cashman, Jimmy Dore.
Data & Statistics
Judicial Watch obtained 48 pages of FBI files noting that a deputy “checked her emails and only had two email communications” from Crooks, though deputy’s name is omitted. July 17, 2024 interview records no interaction. Medic pronounced Crooks dead at 6:25 p.m.; a SWAT officer removed a gray remote device with a cell phone from his pocket.
Official Statements & Responses
Sheriff Jones called email claim “completely false” and warned that such reporting “places officers at risk.” Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton said lawsuit seeks “full transparency” about Crooks’s contacts and details. Deputy confirmed two emails, said she did not recognize Crooks and learned of connection after a New York Times reporter contacted her.
Criticism & Opposition
Conservative commentator Heather Champion cautioned that “exchange” may be inaccurate, while Sara Gonzales argued the public deserves to know the timing and content of the emails. Liberal voices Kaelan Deese and Jimmy Dore called the redacted records a “bombshell” that raises unanswered questions. Shane Cashman dismissed the email link as “nothing weird.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Harris’s posts name Deputy Kinlee Hoyle, yet the released FBI files do not name any deputy. The two emails remain undisclosed because of extensive redactions. The deputy’s interview asserts no personal interaction, contrasting with Harris’s implication of a substantive link. Details about the recovered remote device are limited to a brief description, leaving its purpose unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Irresponsible reporting like this is unacceptable and places officers at risk,” — Richard K. Jones, Butler County Sheriff
- “had two email exchanges with Thomas Matthew Crooks prior to the July 13, 2024 assassination attempt.” — David Harris Jr., Conservative commentator
- “The American people deserve full transparency about Thomas Crooks, his contacts, and why key details about this case remain hidden nearly two years later.” — Tom Fitton, President, Judicial Watch
- “I don't know if 'exchange' is correct but they did receive emails from Thomas Crooks before the July 13 Trump rally.” — Heather Champion, Conservative social-media personality
What’s Next
Judicial Watch continues to file FOIA suits seeking additional FBI records that could clarify the email exchange and the remote device. Congressional committees have expressed interest in oversight, and the Butler County sheriff’s office says it will monitor any new releases.
