In a shocking incident, the FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the suspect in the attempted assassination of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The attempt took place during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. Crooks was shot and killed by the Secret Service seconds after allegedly firing shots toward the stage where Trump was speaking. The FBI is currently investigating the motive behind the attack.
Incident Details
During the attack, one rally attendee lost their life, and two other spectators sustained critical injuries. Former President Trump was grazed by a bullet on his ear. Crooks, who lived about an hour away from Butler, was a registered Republican according to state voter records. The upcoming November 5 election would have been his first opportunity to vote in a presidential race.
Background of the Suspect
Crooks had a mixed political background. At 17, he made a $15 donation to ActBlue, a political action committee supporting left-leaning and Democratic politicians, earmarked for the Progressive Turnout Project. Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022 and received a $500 “star award” from the National Math and Science Initiative. A graduation ceremony video from 2022 shows Crooks receiving his diploma amidst applause, wearing glasses and a black graduation gown.
Investigation and Response
Law enforcement officials revealed that Crooks carried no identification at the shooting site, necessitating identification through other methods. “We’re looking at photographs right now and we’re trying to run his DNA and get biometric confirmation,” stated Kevin Rojek, FBI special agent in charge, during a press briefing.
Following the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration closed the airspace over Bethel Park for “special security reasons.” A heavy law enforcement presence, including agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, was observed at Crooks’ registered address. A bomb squad was also deployed, and the perimeter was secured with police caution tape.
Family and Community Reactions
Matthew Crooks, the suspect’s father, expressed his confusion and stated that he would wait to speak with law enforcement before commenting further on his son’s actions. Attempts to reach out to the Progressive Turnout Project for comments have been unsuccessful.
Social Media and Online Presence
Reuters was unable to immediately verify any social media accounts or online postings by Crooks. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, did not respond to questions regarding the potential removal of any accounts related to the suspect.
Conclusion
As the investigation continues, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies are working diligently to uncover more details about Crooks’ motives and background. The incident has raised significant concerns about security at political events and the factors that may drive individuals to such extreme actions.