The FBI has successfully identified the individual responsible for the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The shooter has been identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. The incident unfolded when Crooks opened fire at the rally, prompting a Secret Service sniper to respond with lethal force, resulting in Crooks’ death.
The FBI has officially classified the incident as an “assassination attempt,” highlighting the severity of the situation. Crooks utilized an AR-style rifle to discharge rounds into the crowd from a considerable distance, narrowly grazing Trump’s ear. Tragically, one spectator lost their life, and two others sustained critical injuries.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, has identified the deceased spectator as firefighter Corey Comperatore. Shapiro conveyed that Comperatore’s wife requested him to share that her husband “died a hero” as he selflessly shielded his family during the rally. The governor commended Comperatore’s bravery, stating that he dove on his family to protect them from harm.
Law enforcement officials discovered bomb-making materials in Crooks’ vehicle near the scene and in his residence. Investigators believe that the weapon used by Crooks belonged to his father, Matthew Crooks, and was purchased at least six months ago. Matthew Crooks has refrained from commenting on his son’s actions until he consults with law enforcement.
Thomas Crooks resided in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, approximately an hour’s drive from the rally location. Following the incident, law enforcement conducted a raid on Crooks’ residence, leading to the evacuation of neighboring homes. The sudden evacuation occurred without prior warning, as authorities declared a state of emergency. Neighbors were informed that they could return to their homes after a few hours.
Campaign finance records indicate that Crooks, a registered Republican, made a $15 donation to a progressive, anti-Trump political action committee on the day President Joe Biden was inaugurated. However, the motive behind the assassination attempt remains unknown at this time.
The Pentagon has confirmed that Crooks had no affiliation with the military. He recently graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022, according to the school district. A former classmate described Crooks as a loner who often faced bullying.
