In the aftermath of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, authorities are working to uncover what motivated the 20-year-old shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. The incident took place during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump was addressing his supporters. Spectators reported seeing Crooks acting suspiciously before he climbed onto a rooftop and opened fire.
Investigators are treating the attack as a potential act of domestic terrorism but have yet to determine a clear motive. President Joe Biden urged the public to refrain from making assumptions. "Let the FBI and their partner agencies do their job. I've instructed that this investigation be thorough and swift," Biden stated.
The FBI confirmed that Crooks acted alone and found bomb-making materials in his car. However, no social media posts or ideological affiliations have surfaced that might explain his actions. Trump, who suffered a minor injury to his ear, reassured his supporters via social media that he was in "great spirits" ahead of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. The shooting left two spectators critically injured and claimed the life of a former fire chief, Corey Comperatore, who died protecting his family.
Crooks' family has remained largely silent, with his father expressing shock and confusion. An FBI official noted that the family is cooperating with the investigation. Eyewitnesses and law enforcement officials described Crooks' suspicious behavior near the rally's security perimeter. Despite being alerted, officers were unable to locate him before he accessed the rooftop and started shooting.
Butler County Sheriff Michael Slupe recounted that a local officer had spotted Crooks but was unable to engage him before Crooks aimed at Trump. Secret Service snipers neutralized Crooks after he fired multiple shots. The FBI is now delving into Crooks' background, social media activities, and phone records for any clues.
Crooks' political affiliations remain unclear. Records show he was a registered Republican but also made a small donation to a progressive political action committee on Biden's inauguration day. Crooks, who graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022, had a reputation as a loner and was reportedly bullied in school. He worked as a dietary aide at a local nursing home, a position for which he had passed a background check.
The attack has prompted a security review by the Secret Service, with questions arising about how Crooks managed to get a clear line of sight to Trump. Witnesses described seeing him move from roof to roof before the shooting. The shooter was ultimately shot by Secret Service agents after firing several rounds, one of which grazed Trump's ear.
Trump, who was initially scheduled to speak at 5 p.m., took the stage at 6:02 p.m., only to be interrupted by gunfire six minutes into his speech. Secret Service agents quickly surrounded and evacuated him, while the crowd was left in chaos. Attendees, including a surgeon who witnessed the shooting, described the scene as a mix of confusion and fear.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed that the victim, Corey Comperatore, was a devoted Trump supporter who had attended the rally with his family. "Corey was a girl dad, a firefighter, and a beloved community member," Shapiro said.
Trump provided more details about the incident on his social media platform, Truth Social, expressing gratitude for law enforcement's quick response and condolences for the deceased attendee. Meanwhile, Biden condemned the violence and emphasized the need for unity. "There's no place in America for this kind of violence," he said, calling the shooting "sick."
The Secret Service's handling of the incident is under scrutiny, with both Republican and Democratic lawmakers demanding answers. House Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green and Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego have called for accountability and a thorough review of security protocols.
