The FBI has identified 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the suspect in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The incident occurred during a campaign rally at the Butler Park Showgrounds in Pennsylvania on Saturday evening.
Trump’s election campaign aides confirmed on Sunday morning that he was in “great spirits and doing well.” The former president called for national unity and resilience amid the divided 2024 election. Trump’s social media post stated he was “fine” after being “shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.” Secret Service agents swiftly escorted Trump off the stage, covering his bloody ear. One rally attendee died, and two others sustained critical injuries.
Trump expressed his condolences to the victims and their families and thanked law enforcement for their rapid response. He emphasized the need for unity and strength, stating that “God alone prevented the unthinkable from happening.”
President Joe Biden condemned the violence, calling it “sick” and expressing relief that Trump was safe. Biden urged widespread condemnation of political violence, highlighting the need for peaceful political events.
The US Secret Service reported that agents shot the suspect after he fired at Trump from an elevated position outside the rally venue. FBI officials are leading the investigation, questioning how Crooks managed to get close enough to fire multiple shots. Crooks, registered as a Republican, had also donated $15 to a progressive political action committee in 2021. Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive.
House Oversight and Accountability Committee has summoned US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to testify on July 22. Congressman Mike Turner praised Trump’s resilience and questioned how the suspect managed to fire despite public alerts.
Further details about Crooks remain limited. His father, Matthew Crooks, expressed his intent to understand the situation better before commenting further. Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022 and received a $500 award from the National Math and Science Initiative.
The incident underscores the need for heightened security measures and vigilance at political events.