Haunting new photos of Trump shooter probes more questions about assassination attempt

New photographs have been released of gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks, who attempted to kill Donald Trump last month.

On July 13, 20-year-old Crooks took to the roof of a building located near to where Trump was hosting an open-air campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, USA.

Crooks proceeded to fire several rounds in Trump's direction with one of the bullets grazing the former president's ear.

While Trump was not fatally injured in the ordeal, one bystander lost his life. He's since been named as Corey Comperatore, who was a retired fire chief of Buffalo Township.

Two other men were also left seriously injured, while Crooks himself lost his life in the incident after he was fatally shot by a Secret Service sniper.

The moments leading up to Crooks' assassination attempt are being carefully analyzed by officials in the hopes of working out his motives.

In recent days, bodycam footage of an interaction between Crooks and a police officer has been released.

After an officer was hoisted several feet up in the air to climb onto of the roof Crooks was on, he's seen quickly jumping back down again after the 20-year-old reportedly turned his gun on the policeman.

Thomas Matthew Crooks pictured in his school yearbook. (BETHEL PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT)

Now photos of Crooks have been released that were taken shortly before he set up his gun on the roof, where he could be seen sat on a brick wall while looking at his cellphone.

It's unclear if he was communicating with someone at the time.

Another snap shows Crooks turning round and seemingly looking at someone.

As the FBI's investigation continues, investigators have looked into Crooks' browsing history on his phone.

Apparently the last thing he searched for was pornography, something which officials weren't particular concerned by.

Crooks was seen on his cellphone shortly before the shooting happened. (Judicial Watch)

The 20-year-old also how more worrying searches, however. These included searches for Oxford High School shooter Ethan Crumbley.

Communication wise, in the hours leading up to his assassination attempt on Trump, Crooks had received text messages from his parents asking where he was.

They'd been under the impression that he had taken his father's AR-15 rifle to a shooting range.

The 20-year-old seemed to look round at someone. (Judicial Watch)

While the reason for Crooks actions still remain unclear, the FBI have long been under the impression that he acted alone.

Part of a statement issued July 14 read: "The FBI is investigating the shooting incident at the July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, which resulted in one victim's death and injuries to former President Trump and other spectators, as an assassination attempt and potential domestic terrorism.

"While the investigation to date indicates the shooter acted alone, the FBI continues to conduct logical investigative activity to determine if there were any co-conspirators associated with this attack. At this time, there are no current public safety concerns."