In a shocking turn of events, the individual who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump on Saturday has been identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. This information was confirmed by sources speaking to The NY Post.
Details of the Incident Crooks was reportedly positioned on the roof of a manufacturing plant, over 130 yards (120 meters) away from the scene at Butler Farm Show. He resided approximately an hour from the location of the attack in Butler. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) closed the airspace above Bethel Park on Sunday for “special security reasons.”
Background on Thomas Matthew Crooks
- At 17, Crooks donated $15 to ActBlue, a political action committee supporting left-wing and Democratic politicians, as per a 2021 Federal Election Commission record. The donation was allocated to the Progressive Turnout Project, a group mobilizing Democratic voters.
- Crooks’ father, Matthew Crooks, stated to CNN that they are trying to understand what happened and will wait to speak with law enforcement before making further comments.
- Thomas Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022, receiving a $500 award from the National Math and Science Initiative. A video from the graduation ceremony shows Crooks receiving his diploma, dressed in a black gown and glasses, as reported by the New York Times. Reuters could not immediately verify the video’s authenticity.
Investigation and Law Enforcement Response Law enforcement officials stated Crooks had no identification on him at the attack scene and had to be identified through other methods. FBI Special Agent Kevin Rojek mentioned they are examining photos and testing DNA for biometric confirmation.
Home Search and Community Reaction USA Today reported that numerous law enforcement vehicles were stationed outside Crooks’ residence. Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with a bomb squad, were also present. Local resident Dan Maloney expressed shock, calling the incident “crazy.”
Social Media and Public Reactions Reuters could not identify Crooks’ social media accounts. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, did not respond immediately about whether accounts related to the suspect were removed.
Trump’s Condition and Political Reactions
- Donald Trump was shot in the ear while speaking at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Treated at a local hospital, his campaign staff later confirmed he “is feeling well.” He has since been discharged.
- President Joe Biden spoke with Trump, expressing relief at his apparent good health and condemning the violence. Biden returned to Washington from Delaware.
Implications for the Campaign The Butler rally was the last before the Republican convention, where Trump is expected to be officially nominated as the Republican presidential candidate. Despite the attack, Trump’s campaign confirmed his intention to participate.
Public and Political Responses
- Former President Barack Obama and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the attack. House Speaker Mike Johnson also denounced the violence.
- Senator J.D. Vance blamed Democratic rhetoric for inciting the attack, linking it to warnings about Trump’s potential authoritarianism.
- Elon Musk expressed support for Trump and wished him a swift recovery.
The ramifications of this event on the campaign are yet to be fully understood. The focus remains on the safety and health of both candidates, Trump and Biden, as the election approaches.