Who was shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks fired bullet on Donald Trump?

Former President Donald Trump was shot and injured during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday. The incident, being investigated as an assassination attempt, left one spectator dead and two others critically injured.

Who was Thomas Matthew Crooks?

According to The NY Post, The gunman has been identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. He allegedly fired multiple shots from a rooftop of a manufacturing plant approximately 130 yards away from the stage at Butler Farm Show grounds. The shooter was killed by Secret Service snipers, and an AR-style rifle was later recovered from the scene.

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Thomas Matthew Crooks, a resident of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was a registered Republican who would have been eligible to cast his first presidential vote in the upcoming election on November 5. He graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022, where he was known as a bright and quiet student, according to Reuters. His high school counselor described him as "respectful" and noted that he mostly "kept to himself," without showing any particular political inclinations.

The FBI reported that Crooks' social media profiles did not contain any threatening language or indications of mental health issues. His online presence lacked posts promoting violence or similar activities, making it difficult for officials to determine his political leanings.

During his school years, Crooks attempted to join the rifle team but was turned away due to poor shooting skills, as noted by the current captain of the team in an interview with the Associated Press (AP). A classmate mentioned that Crooks was more interested in building computers and playing games.

Professionally, Crooks worked as a dietary aide at a nursing home, according to a statement from the home's administrator.

What was his motivation?

Authorities are currently investigating the motives behind Thomas Matthew Crooks' actions, following his identification. "We do not currently have an identified motive," stated Kevin Rojek, FBI Pittsburgh special agent in charge, during a briefing on Saturday night. The inquiry into Crooks' actions is expected to be lengthy, with investigators committed to determining his motive, Rojek emphasized.

Speaking to CNN, Crooks' father, Matthew Crooks, expressed bewilderment, stating he would wait to speak with law enforcement before commenting further. The Crooks family is fully cooperating with the FBI's investigation.

Law enforcement has sealed off the road leading to Crooks' residence, with neighbors reporting being evacuated unexpectedly in the middle of the night. Bethel Park Police have confirmed a bomb investigation surrounding Crooks' home, maintaining tight control over the area, allowing only residents access.

While police believe Crooks acted alone, they are continuing to investigate whether he had any accomplices at the rally. Sources within law enforcement told CBS that there was evidence of some level of pre-planning, though the extent of this preparation remains under investigation.

The community's understanding of Crooks as a person has been varied and at times contradictory. Former classmates described him to KDKA as a loner who sometimes wore hunting outfits to school and was occasionally bullied. In contrast, Summer Barkley, another former classmate, portrayed him as academically adept and deeply interested in history and government. She recalled him as well-liked by teachers and generally considered nice.

Trump interrupted, Secret Service intervenes

Trump, 78, was mid-speech when the incident occurred. Footage taken at the event and shared on social media shows the former president turn toward the noise and briefly grab his ear before Secret Service agents rushed the stage and surrounded him.

Trump, addressing the crowd on immigration, suffered a graze wound to his right ear. In a statement on Truth Social, the former president described hearing a "whizzing sound" and feeling "the bullet ripping through the skin." Despite the injury, Trump was quickly evacuated from the stage and taken to a local medical facility.

The Secret Service confirmed the shooter fired "multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside the rally venue." The FBI is leading the investigation, with support from the Justice Department's National Security Division and the U.S. attorney's office in Pittsburgh.

BREAKING: Images emerge of gunman pic.twitter.com/fzZKVvhRGN

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An eyewitness informed the BBC that he saw a man with a rifle shortly before the shooting occurred at Trump's campaign rally. The witness, identified only as Greg, described seeing the man climb onto a building near the event just minutes before shots were fired at the 78-year-old Trump.

"We saw the guy crawling up the roof of the building next to us, about 50 feet away," Greg told the BBC. "He had a rifle. We could clearly see him with a rifle."

The incident sent shockwaves through the political landscape, prompting condemnations from both sides. President Joe Biden called the attack "sick" and emphasized that "there's no place in America for this violence." Vice President Kamala Harris and former Vice President Mike Pence expressed relief that Trump was not seriously injured and called for an end to political violence.

A video has surfaced showing Thomas Crooks stating, "I hate Republicans. I hate Trump. Hate... hate... because he is the wrong person."

The FBI is currently seeking to search Thomas's mobile phone to uncover his plans. They have confirmed that Thomas was not previously under FBI investigation and has no criminal record. His online history reveals activities such as playing chess, video games, and learning coding.

Following the attack, investigators conducted searches of Crooks' residence and vehicle. A suspicious device was discovered in his car, which has been preserved as evidence.

It has been disclosed by FBI Special Agent Kevin Rojek that the AR-style rifle used by Crooks in the shooting was legally purchased by his father. However, how Crooks obtained the rifle remains unclear. Rojek also stated that there is no evidence suggesting Crooks had psychopathic tendencies.

Panic and chaos

Eyewitnesses described panic and chaos as the shots rang out. Dave McCormick, a U.S. Senate candidate in the front row, reported hearing "seven or eight" shots. Other attendees dropped to the ground and prayed for safety.

The attack has raised concerns about the volatile political climate in the United States. Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, a potential vice presidential pick for Trump, controversially linked the incident to Biden's campaign rhetoric, claiming it "led directly to President Trump's attempted assassination."

"Violence against any political party or leader is completely unacceptable and has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States," said Pennsylvania Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro in a statement.

Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, a potential vice-presidential candidate, expressed his concern on social media: "Everyone join me in praying for President Trump and everyone at the rally. I hope everyone is okay."

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, also a possible vice-presidential pick, posted on X, calling for prayers for the former president: "Please join Kathryn and me in praying for President Trump, his family, and everyone attending the rally today."

Former President Donald Trump, a Republican presidential candidate, was surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday, July 13, 2024, as captured in a photo by AP photographer Evan Vucci.

Florida Senator Marco Rubio, another vice-presidential hopeful, posted on X, asking for prayers: "Praying for President Trump and all those attending the rally in Pennsylvania today."

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) released a statement saying, "ATF is responding to assist the U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement partners. This is a top priority. We have no further comment at this time."

After the shooting, security at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida has been increased. The incident happened on the eve of the Republican National Convention, adding tension to an already contentious political season.

Law enforcement agencies, including the ATF, are working with the Secret Service to gather more information about the attack and its motivations. The incident is a stark reminder of the potential for violence in American politics and the ongoing challenges in protecting public figures.