The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump has shocked the nation, with the gunman identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Crooks opened fire at an outdoor rally in Butler, just outside Pittsburgh, grazing Trump in the ear with at least five to seven shots.
Authorities revealed that Crooks crawled onto the roof of a manufacturing plant over 130 yards away from the stage where Trump was speaking. He was ultimately taken down by Secret Service snipers and found to be in possession of an AR-style semi-automatic assault rifle.
Despite being a registered Republican, Crooks made a $15 donation to the liberal ActBlue political action committee on Biden’s Inauguration Day in 2021 when he was just 17 years old. He graduated from high school in 2022 and received a $500 National Math and Science Initiative Star Award during his senior year.
The motive behind Crooks’ attack on Trump remains unclear, leaving many questions unanswered. The FBI has officially confirmed his involvement in the assassination attempt, leading to heightened security measures around his home in Bethel Park.
Neighbors in the area expressed shock and disbelief at the news, with one resident recounting interactions with the Allegheny County bomb squad preparing to enter Crooks’ home in the early hours of the morning. The community is reeling from the tragic events that unfolded, with one person dead and another in the hospital as a result of the shooting.
As the investigation continues, the nation remains on edge following this brazen attack on a former president and potential future leader. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.