The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has identified one Thomas Matthew Crooks as the suspect who shot at former US President Donald Trump at a rally in western Pennsylvania on Saturday. Twenty-year-old Crooks was killed by security officials after he opened fire at the Republican presidential candidate, injuring his right ear.
Crooks fired multiple shots from the roof of a manufacturing plant, over 130 yards from the stage where 78-year-old Trump was addressing his supporters.
Who is Thomas Matthew Crooks?
According to a statement issued by the FBI, Crooks is a resident of Bethel Park in Pennsylvania, which was about 40 miles south of the Butler, where Trump's rally was being held.
Crooks was reportedly shot in the head after he tried to assassinate the former US president. However, the FBI did not name him immediately while they waited for DNA results.
"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," the investigating agency said.
The suspect fired from between 200ft and 300ft away on an elevated shed with an AR-style rifle, multiple law enforcement officers told CBS News.
In a news conference, Kevin Rojek, FBI special agent in charge of the Pittsburgh office, said it was “surprising” the gunman was able to fire multiple shots. “This evening, we had what we’re calling an assassination attempt against our former President Donald Trump,” said Rojek.
He added that the FBI has not yet identified the shooter’s motive. Authorities said they believe there is no other threat.
What We Know Of Shooting So Far?
Trump survived an attempt on his life after a young shooter fired multiple shots at him at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, injuring his right ear. The attack came days before he was to accept the Republican Party's nomination for the presidential election in November.
Trump was speaking at the packed outdoor election rally in Butler town when bullets started flying. Soon Secret Service agents piled on top of Trump to shield him. With blood gushing from his ear, Trump was then rushed off stage.
The shooting, which left one spectator dead and two others critically injured, is being investigated as an attempted assassination.
The male attacker was also shot and killed by a member of the Secret Service. The gunman was identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park.
Later, in a post on his Truth Social social media account, Trump elaborated on what happened and described his injuries. "It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realised then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!" Trump wrote.