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Picture courtesy: (CBS) Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old gunman, was identified by the FBI following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
(The Post News)- On July 13, the nation was shocked by an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The gunman, a 20-year-old man from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, has been identified as the assailant behind the attack.
The FBI has named Thomas Matthew Crooks as the individual who opened fire, injuring Trump and causing chaos at the event.
The FBI is investigating the attack as a potential act of domestic terrorism.
Former President Donald Trump was addressing a crowd of supporters when shots rang out.
According to BBC eyewitnesses, Crooks managed to position himself on a nearby rooftop, from where he opened fire with an AR-style rifle and fired multiple shots at Trump as he addressed his supporters. One bullet grazed Trump’s upper right ear, leaving him bloodied but not seriously injured. The Secret Service quickly intervened, whisking Trump off the stage and neutralizing the threat.
Tragically, one rally attendee, Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief, was killed, and two others were critically injured.
Crooks was a relatively unknown figure before this tragic event. Born on September 20, 2003, Crooks had no prior criminal record in Pennsylvania or federal court databases. He worked as a dietary aide at Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, a job that involved food preparation.
Marcie Grimm, the facility’s administrator, expressed shock and sadness upon learning of Crooks’ involvement, stating to USA TODAY “We are shocked and saddened to learn of his involvement. He passed all background checks and was a quiet, unassuming employee”.
Crooks was a registered Republican and a member of the Clairton Sportsmen’s Club in Pittsburgh, which has various shooting ranges.
“We’re sick over this,” said Bill Sellitto, the club’s president. “It’s just a terrible thing.
“Crooks’ family has been cooperating with law enforcement. His father, Matthew Crooks, told CNN, “We are trying to understand what happened and are fully cooperating with the authorities”.
Neighbours and former classmates have expressed disbelief and confusion over Crooks’ actions.
The FBI is currently investigating the motives behind Crooks’ actions, they found bomb-making materials in Crooks’s car and home. Special Agent Kevin Rojek stated, “We are in the process of searching his phone and other evidence to determine any potential motives. At this time, we have not found any clear ideological positions or threatening comments on his social media accounts”.
Investigators are still searching for clues about what may have driven Crooks to carry out the attack.
The incident has reignited debates about gun control and political violence in the United States.
The rifle used by Crooks was legally purchased by his father, raising questions about the accessibility of firearms. “This tragedy underscores the urgent need for comprehensive gun reform,” said Senator Dianne Feinstein.
“We cannot continue to allow such easy access to deadly weapons”.
As investigators work to uncover the motives behind this shocking act, the community of Bethel Park and the nation at large are left to ponder the factors that led to this tragic event.
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