This incident occurred on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at a political rally in Pennsylvania.
“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 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) stated in an announcement shared by USA Today on Sunday.
The FBI emphasized that this case remains an active and ongoing investigation. They encourage anyone with relevant information to submit photos or videos online to assist with the investigation.
At the campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump, the Republican candidate for the upcoming November 5, 2024, presidential election, was targeted. Secret Service agents swiftly intervened, rushing Trump off the stage and into a secure SUV. Unfortunately, the event turned tragic with the death of the gunman and a bystander, while two spectators sustained critical injuries.
According to the Secret Service, the shooter “fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside the rally” before being “neutralized” by agents. After the shooter was killed at the scene, Kevin Rojek, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office, noted that Crooks had no identification on him. This lack of ID necessitated DNA and biometric confirmation to identify him, as reported by CNN.
Who exactly was Thomas Crooks? Here are five things known about him:
- Education: Crooks graduated in 2022 from Bethel Park High School, a fact confirmed by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
- Political Affiliation: State voter records show that Crooks was a registered Republican, according to Reuters.
- Residence Proximity: Crooks lived approximately an hour away from Butler, the site of the shooting.
- Political Donations: At 17, Crooks made a $15 donation to ActBlue, a political action committee that supports left-leaning and Democratic politicians. This information comes from a 2021 Federal Election Commission filing.
- Awards: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review mentioned that Crooks was awarded a $500 “star award” from the National Math and Science Initiative.
The aftermath of the shooting has left many in shock and confusion. Crooks’ father, Matthew Crooks, expressed his bewilderment when contacted by CNN on Saturday night. He mentioned he was trying to understand “what the hell is going on” and preferred to wait until he spoke with law enforcement before making further comments about his son.
The community where Crooks lived is also reeling from the news. John Wolf, a resident living near the Crooks’ family home, shared that he was in contact with other concerned neighbors. “People are scared,” he said, reflecting the fear and uncertainty gripping the neighborhood.
As the investigation unfolds, more details will likely emerge about Thomas Crooks and the motivations behind his actions. The FBI urges the public to provide any information that might shed light on this tragic event.
The political climate in the United States has been charged and polarizing, and incidents like this only add to the tension. The attempted assassination of a former president is a stark reminder of the deep divisions and potential for violence that exist. It underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for continued efforts to ensure the safety and security of public figures and citizens alike.
As the country processes this event, many will be looking to understand the broader implications. How does a young man like Thomas Crooks come to be involved in such a violent act? What does this say about the current state of political discourse and the influence of extreme rhetoric? These questions will undoubtedly be explored in the days and weeks to come.
In the meantime, the focus remains on the ongoing investigation and the recovery of those injured in the attack. The Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies will continue to ensure that justice is served and that measures are in place to prevent such incidents. The nation watches and waits, hoping for answers and seeking a path forward in these turbulent times.