20-Year-Old Identified as Gunman in Trump Rally Shooting

20-Year-Old Identified as Gunman in Trump Rally Shooting

3 minute read
Published: 7/14/2024

Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was killed by the Secret Service after firing shots at Donald Trump's rally, leaving one dead and two critically injured.

The incident, which occurred while Trump was addressing a crowd, has drawn national attention to security concerns at political events. The FBI has launched an investigation to determine the motive behind Crooks' actions, as he managed to infiltrate the area and open fire using an AR-style rifle from a nearby rooftop. The former president suffered a minor injury, while the attack left one audience member dead and two critically injured. Crooks was identified through DNA biometrics as he did not carry identification.

The attack took place at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where former President Donald Trump was addressing his supporters. During the event, shots were fired from a roof outside the security perimeter using an AR-style rifle. The Secret Service quickly responded and killed Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Despite their swift response, one audience member was killed, and two others are in critical condition. Donald Trump sustained a bullet graze to his right ear.

Bystanders described the scene as chaotic, with Trump's security detail moving quickly to protect the former president and escort him away from the stage. Trump sustained a bullet graze to his right ear but was otherwise unharmed, a fact that spokespeople for the former president confirmed later that evening.

One of the attendees, whose identity has not been disclosed pending family notification, was killed in the attack. Two others remain in critical condition at a nearby hospital. Medical teams on the scene provided immediate assistance before the injured were transported for further care.

The FBI has taken the lead in investigating the motive behind Crooks' actions. According to sources within the bureau, officials are examining various potential leads, including Crooks' background, social media history, and any affiliations that could shed light on his reasons for targeting the rally.

Initial reports suggest that Crooks, who did not have any identification on him at the time of the incident, was identified through DNA biometric confirmation. This process involves comparing DNA samples from the shooter with known databases, an approach that allowed the authorities to establish his identity despite the lack of physical ID.

Bethel Park, Crooks' hometown, is a small community located about an hour south of Butler, Pennsylvania. Residents of Bethel Park expressed shock and disbelief upon learning that someone from their community was involved in such a violent act.

At the time of the shooting, Crooks positioned himself on a rooftop outside the secure perimeter of the rally. From this vantage point, he was able to fire shots into the crowd using an AR-style rifle. Law enforcement officers are now conducting a thorough sweep of the surrounding area to ensure there are no additional threats and to gather more evidence related to the shooting.

The Secret Service's role in the incident is also under review. Although they were able to neutralize Crooks and prevent further escalation, questions remain about how Crooks was able to get into a position to carry out his attack. Security protocols for high-profile events, especially those attended by political figures, are likely to come under increased scrutiny following this incident.

Supporters and political figures have condemned the attack, calling for heightened security measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The incident has reignited the debate over how best to ensure the safety of public figures and the general public at political events.

The rally, initially intended to be a demonstration of support for Trump's political agenda, has now become a focal point for discussions about the recent shooting.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging anyone with information related to Crooks or the shooting to come forward. The FBI has set up a dedicated tip line and is working tirelessly to piece together the events leading up to the attack.

The tragedy has left a community mourning and a nation grappling with yet another instance of violence at a political event. Further updates are expected as investigators uncover more details about the circumstances and motivations behind Crooks' actions.