Former President Trump Targeted in Assassination Attempt

2024

Law enforcement authorities have identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the individual responsible for the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The incident occurred at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. The FBI confirmed Crooks' identity following the event in which he was killed by the Secret Service. Crooks, armed with a semiautomatic rifle, fired eight shots before being neutralized by agents. The investigation is ongoing, with officials examining the weapon, believed to belong to Crooks' father, to determine its legal status. At the scene, multiple suspicious canisters were found in Crooks' vehicle. It remains unclear if these items were functional as incendiary or explosive devices. Crooks' family is cooperating with investigators, but the motive behind the attack is still undetermined.

Thomas Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022. During his high school years, he received a National Math & Science Initiative Star Award. Classmates described him as a loner who was frequently bullied. Jason Kohler, a high school peer, recounted Crooks often sitting alone and being mocked for his attire. Michael Dudjak, another classmate, described Crooks as reserved and quiet, noting he was often by himself but did not observe active bullying. Dudjak was shocked upon learning about Crooks' involvement in the shooting, expressing disbelief that someone he attended school with could commit such an act. Crooks was a member of the Clairton Sportsmen's Club in Pittsburgh, which offers various shooting ranges. The club expressed its dismay over the incident and extended condolences to those affected.

The Bethel Park community was stunned by the news. Andrew Blanco, a neighbor, described the situation as "absolutely nuts," stating he rarely saw or interacted with anyone from Crooks' household. Marcie Grimm, an administrator at the Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where Crooks worked as a dietary aide, expressed shock and sadness over his involvement in the incident. She noted that Crooks had a clean background check and performed his job without issues. Dan Grzybek, an Allegheny County council member, recounted meeting Crooks' parents during his campaign. He described the conversation as pleasant and typical of voter interactions, emphasizing the community's disbelief that the shooter lived among them.

The Pentagon confirmed that Crooks had no military affiliation. Pennsylvania voter records indicate he was a registered Republican, though he made a small donation to a liberal PAC in 2021. Law enforcement identified Crooks' body at the scene, lacking identification. State police Lt. Col. George Bivens announced that the investigation was close to confirming his identity by Saturday night.

During Trump's rally in Butler, loud noises were heard around 6:13 PM. Trump appeared to be struck near his right ear, quickly clutching his ear and ducking as security agents responded. One spectator was killed, and at least two others were injured. Trump, with blood on the side of his face, was escorted off the stage and into his vehicle. The rally site is now an active crime scene under FBI investigation. Trump's team and the Secret Service confirmed he was unharmed and received a medical check-up. Trump later stated on Truth Social that a bullet grazed his ear. Butler County authorities confirmed the deaths of the suspected shooter and one rally attendee, with another person in serious condition. The FBI later named Crooks as the shooter, with details emerging about his position on a rooftop and the use of an AR-style rifle. The House of Representatives has summoned Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to testify at an upcoming Oversight Committee hearing. President Joe Biden condemned political violence in a speech following the shooting and confirmed he spoke with Trump afterward. The incident has prompted widespread shock and calls for unity against violence.

The Bethel Park community continues to grapple with the news. Neighbors and friends are processing the shock of having known someone who committed such a heinous act. The incident has prompted discussions about mental health, community awareness, and the impact of bullying. The investigation will likely continue to uncover more details about Crooks' motivations and actions leading up to the shooting. As the community heals, there is a collective hope for answers and understanding to prevent such tragedies in the future.