In a significant development following an attempted shooting incident involving former President Donald Trump, the FBI managed to unlock the Samsung phone of the suspect, Thomas Matthew Crooks.
The incident occurred during a campaign rally where Crooks allegedly aimed a firearm at Trump but was subdued by law enforcement before he could pull the trigger.
The phone, which was crucial for understanding Crooks’ motives and connections, posed a challenge for investigators due to its advanced security features.Initially, the FBI’s attempts to access the phone were met with frustration.
The agency’s standard tools fell short, leaving them unable to retrieve any data that could provide insights into Crooks’ intentions or any potential threats. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the FBI turned to Cellebrite, a company known for its expertise in digital forensics and phone unlocking technology.
This collaboration proved pivotal, as Cellebrite provided specialized software that had not yet been released to the public, enabling the FBI to bypass the phone’s security measures.