20-year-old Thomas Crooks who shot at Donald Trump on Saturday at campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump has sent shockwaves through the nation. The incident occurred during a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and the shooter has been identified as 20-year-old Thomas Crooks.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officially identified Crooks as the assailant in a press release. “Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, is the subject involved in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13, in Butler, Pennsylvania,” the statement read. The FBI emphasized that their investigation is still active and ongoing, urging the public to submit any photos or videos that might aid their efforts.
At the time of the shooting, Donald Trump, who is the Republican candidate for the upcoming presidential election on November 5, 2024, was on stage addressing his supporters. Secret Service agents reacted with remarkable speed, immediately evacuating Trump off the stage and into a waiting SUV. The quick response likely prevented further tragedy.
The shooting resulted in the deaths of both the shooter, Thomas Crooks, and a bystander. Additionally, two spectators were critically injured. According to the Secret Service, Crooks had fired multiple shots from an elevated position outside the rally venue. Agents quickly neutralized him, averting an even more catastrophic outcome.
In his recount of the event, Trump shared the harrowing details of the incident. “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong as I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. There was much bleeding, and I realized then what was happening,” Trump stated.
The FBI’s Pittsburgh field office, led by Special Agent Kevin Rojek, faced challenges in identifying Crooks at the scene as he carried no identification. Agents had to rely on DNA and biometric data to confirm his identity.
Here are five key facts about Thomas Crooks:
Educational Background: Crooks graduated in 2022 from Bethel Park High School, a fact reported by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Political Affiliation: Despite the nature of his actions, state voter records reveal that Crooks was a registered Republican.
Residence Proximity: Crooks lived about an hour away from the shooting location in Butler, making it relatively easy for him to reach the rally.
Political Donations: Interestingly, Crooks had made a $15 donation to ActBlue, a political action committee supporting left-leaning and Democratic politicians, when he was just 17 years old. This information comes from a 2021 Federal Election Commission filing.
Academic Achievement: Crooks was recognized for his academic prowess with a $500 “star award” from the National Math and Science Initiative.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Crooks family is grappling with shock and confusion. Thomas’s father, Matthew Crooks, expressed his bewilderment in a statement to CNN. “I’m trying to figure out what the hell is going on,” he said, indicating that he would refrain from further comments until he had spoken with law enforcement.
The community of Bethel Park is also reeling from the incident. John Wolf, a neighbor, commented on the prevailing fear and uncertainty, noting that many residents are deeply unsettled by what has transpired.
The shooting has raised numerous questions about security at political events and the motivations behind such violent acts. As the investigation continues, authorities hope to piece together a clearer picture of Thomas Crooks’ actions and what led to this tragic incident.
