Deadly shooting erupted at former President Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. The assailant, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was identified as the shooter responsible for the assassination attempt on Trump.
The Incident and Immediate Response
Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire at the rally, prompting an immediate response from Secret Service agents who quickly neutralized him. The incident unfolded just days before Trump was set to accept the Republican nomination for the third time. As investigators work tirelessly to gather more information about Crooks and the motives behind his actions, the nation is left reeling from the near-fatal attack on the former president.
Explosives Discovery
In addition to the shooting, it has been revealed that Crooks had explosives in his car, which was found parked near the rally site. This alarming discovery has heightened the urgency of the investigation, with federal agents focusing on understanding Crooks’ background, the origins of the weapon, and the potential motives driving his actions.
Weapon Details and Family Response
Law enforcement officials have disclosed that the weapon used in the attack, an AR-style rifle, was purchased by Crooks’ father at least six months ago. However, it remains unclear when and how Crooks obtained the gun. Authorities are diligently working to trace the weapon’s history and piece together the timeline leading up to the shooting.
Crooks’ father, Matthew Crooks, spoke briefly to CNN on Saturday, expressing his confusion and distress over the situation. “I’m trying to figure out what the hell is going on,” he said, declining to provide further details until he had spoken with law enforcement officials.
Community and Official Reactions
A blockade was set up on Sunday to prevent traffic near Crooks’ house, located in a modest neighborhood in the hills of blue-collar Pittsburgh. The FBI released Crooks’ identity early Sunday morning, hours after the shooting. Without identification on his person, authorities had to rely on DNA and other methods to confirm his identity.
Political Background and Investigation
The political leanings of Thomas Matthew Crooks are not immediately clear. While records show that he was registered as a Republican voter in Pennsylvania, federal campaign finance reports indicate that he made a $15 donation to a progressive political action committee on January 20, 2021, the day President Joe Biden was inaugurated. Public records also reveal that Crooks had no prior criminal history in Pennsylvania.
As investigators delve deeper into Crooks’ background, the focus remains on uncovering any potential motives for the attack. The chilling nature of the incident, coupled with the discovery of explosives in Crooks’ car, underscores the gravity of the threat posed by the shooter.
Reactions from the Trump Family and Campaign
In a statement released on Saturday, former First Lady Melania Trump condemned the actions of Crooks, referring to him as a “monster” and expressing her love and support for her husband. The former president has not yet issued a statement, but sources close to the Trump campaign indicate that he remains undeterred and is committed to continuing his campaign efforts.
Rally Footage and Security Measures
According to a report by Express on Monday, July 15, 2024, video footage from the rally captured the chaotic moments following the shooting, with Secret Service agents quickly surrounding and covering Trump. The swift response of the agents likely prevented a far worse outcome, as evidenced by a chilling photograph showing a bullet lodged near Trump’s head, highlighting just how close he came to death.
Ongoing Investigation
The nation continues to grapple with the shock of the attempted assassination, as questions abound regarding the motivations and planning behind the attack. As law enforcement officials work to uncover the full story, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present risks faced by public figures and the critical importance of security measures in safeguarding their lives.
As this story continues to develop, updates will be provided to keep the public informed. The investigation into Thomas Matthew Crooks and the circumstances surrounding the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump remains ongoing, with authorities determined to uncover the full extent of the plot and ensure justice is served.