Enhanced security?
But somehow a shooter was able to climb onto a roof and try to assassinate President Trump and murder one of his supporters.
What the hell is going on?https://t.co/NVeeAnjzle
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) July 16, 2024
Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old Pennsylvania man, has been identified as the suspect in the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The incident took place at a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024, resulting in the death of one spectator and injuries to two others. Witnesses reported a chaotic scene as Trump, visibly injured, was quickly escorted off the stage by Secret Service agents.
Corey Comperatore, a firefighter and father attending the rally, was killed in the shooting. Authorities have confirmed that Crooks was also killed at the scene.
"Somebody took off half his ear, but I can tell you that my father has never been more determined than he is right now."
— Eric Trump on the assassination attempt against Donald Trump pic.twitter.com/6tftTlJBMK
— The Recount (@therecount) July 15, 2024
Kevin Rojek, the FBI’s Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge, stated that investigators are working to determine Crooks’ motive and are treating the shooting as a potential act of domestic terrorism.
The FBI believes Crooks acted alone and has not identified any current public safety concerns.
ABC News: Gun traced to suspect's dad, was legally purchased https://t.co/NZJyBJ79aH
— Adam Parkhomenko (@AdamParkhomenko) July 14, 2024
Robert Wells, the FBI’s assistant director of the Counterterrorism Division, expressed concerns that the attempt could inspire similar acts by extremists. An NYPD intelligence bulletin noted that extremist online communities had already begun using the incident to promote civil unrest and violence.
Crooks, a recent graduate of the Community College of Allegheny County, had plans to attend Robert Morris University in the fall.
Trump shooting suspect identified
Former classmates described him as quiet and socially reserved, with no overt political affiliations or extremist views.
Crooks was a member of a local shooting club but had failed to join his high school’s rifle team due to poor marksmanship. The firearm used in the assassination attempt was traced to a legally purchased AR-15-style rifle owned by Crooks’s father. Law enforcement sources revealed that Crooks had fired as many as eight rounds from a rooftop 200-300 yards away.
Additionally, two improvised explosive devices were found in his car and another in his home. Discord, a social media platform, identified an infrequently used account linked to Crooks but found no evidence that it was used to plan the attack. Investigators are reviewing his digital footprint and past activities but have not found any ties to extremist groups.
Bethel Park School District and the Community College of Allegheny County have both expressed their willingness to cooperate with law enforcement investigations. Officials and acquaintances remain shocked and saddened by Crooks’ actions. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding Crooks’ background and possible motives, aiming to prevent future acts of violence and ensure public safety.
