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The FBI has released information on the shooter at President Donald Trump’s Pennsylvania rally on Saturday, identifying him as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks.
Crooks, a resident of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, lived about an hour from the event in Butler. He was killed by a Secret Service sniper at the rally.
“The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the subject involved in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13, in Butler, Pennsylvania. This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is encouraged to submit photos or videos online at FBI.gov/butler or call 1-800-CALL-FBI,” the FBI released in a statement.
Details continue to develop. However, reports include that Crooks shot Trump from a rooftop about 400 feet from the rally with a rifle. The multiple shots included one striking Trump’s right ear.
Trump was immediately covered by Secret Service personnel. When he later stood, blood was visible from the right side of his face as he raised a fist and said, “Fight!”
Another individual was fatally shot in the audience behind Trump. Two other individuals were reportedly hospitalized and listed in critical condition.
The victims have not yet been identified.
Crooks was a graduate of Bethel Park High School in 2022, according to a Fox News report. He was noted for earning a “star award” in the school’s National Matha and Science Initiative.
“Crooks was a registered Republican, according to voting records, but he only participated in the Nov. 8, 2022, state election due to his age. Records show he made a $15 donation to Progressive Turnout Project, a Chicago-based political action committee that supports Democrat candidates for public office,” the Fox News report added.
The young man reportedly had no prior criminal history.
One witness interviewed by the BBC claimed that he spotted Crooks climbing onto a building near the rally with a gun and reported it to authorities.
“He had a rifle — you could literally see him with a rifle,” he stated in the video.
The eyewitness claimed to hear three or four shots before a Secret Service sniper fired back and killed Crooks.
The FBI investigation remains ongoing and no motive has been stated.
