Trump Campaign Office / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images
A suspect has been identified after an assassination attempt on Donald Trump’s life at a rally on Saturday (July 13).
The Associated Press reports that a 20-year-old male was allegedly behind the shooting.
Thomas Matthew Crooks has been identified as the person responsible for targeting Donald Trump. He lived in a Pittsburgh suburb not far from the campaign rally. NBC News reports that it appears Crooks was a registered Republican voter in Pennsylvania. However, it remains unclear how long ago he registered under the party.
Additionally,, federal campaign finance reports allegedly show he gave $15 to a progressive political action committee the day President Joe Biden was sworn into office.
Two law enforcement officials told the outlet that they believe the weapon was bought by the father of Crooks at least six months ago, but federal agents reportedly are still working to understand when and how he obtained the gun. Additionally, they are investigating to find a possible motive. The officials who spoke to AP were not authorized to discuss the details of the investigation publicly. They did so after agreeing that their identity would be kept private.
Crooks allegedly attempted to end Donald’s life at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. As he spoke, shots rang out. The former president put his hand to his ear before ducking behind a podium. Secret service could be heard telling Donald to “Get down!” Furthermore, several men surrounded the presumptive Republican nominee, shielding him from potentially being hit by more bullets. Moreover, blood could be seen coming from Trump’s ear. ABC17News later reported that the upper part of his right ear was pierced.
Although Trump was not seriously injured, one rally attendee lost his life. Furthermore, the Secret Service stated the suspected shooter, Thomas Crooks, was killed. It was reported that he shot from an elevated position outside of the venue. Donald Trump’s campaign said he was doing “fine” after the shooting. In a memo obtained by AP, his senior campaign advisers thanked the Secret Service and first responders for their efforts.
Trump released a statement on social media, maintaining that he was shot.
