What we know about the gunman, the victims and the investigation

 

On July 14, 2024, authorities provided more details about the tragic shooting that occurred the previous day at a rally held by former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The individual responsible for the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump has been identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, aged 20, by the FBI.

Following the incident at a Pennsylvania rally, Trump was safely escorted off the stage with blood visible on his ear and cheek after being shot at.

The Secret Service has reported that their personnel took down the suspected attacker, resulting in the death of one spectator and critical injuries to two others during the shooting.

Trump has stated that he was hit by a bullet that penetrated the upper part of his right ear. The FBI has officially confirmed the incident as an "assassination attempt".

Various politicians from different political backgrounds have expressed their support for Trump, including President Joe Biden who emphasized that such violence has no place in the United States. Leaders from around the globe have also denounced the attack.

The Gunman

The FBI has identified the gunman as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, a resident of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, about 35 miles south of the rally location. Crooks was killed at the scene by Secret Service agents. Public records show he was registered to vote as a Republican, though he had made a small donation to a Democratic-aligned group in 2021.

Threat Assessment

At a news conference, authorities stated that they do not currently believe there are any additional existing threats. However, the investigation is still ongoing, and it is too early to conclusively determine if this was a lone-wolf attack.

Casualties

The shooting left one attendee dead and two others critically injured, all of them adult men. Authorities have identified the victims but have not yet publicly released their names.

Trump's Status

A spokesperson for the former president confirmed that Trump is "fine," and the Secret Service said he was safe during the incident. However, Trump himself reported on social media that he was hit by a bullet in the "upper part" of his right ear. In the early hours of Sunday morning, Trump flew back to Newark, New Jersey.

The Investigation

Multiple federal and state agencies, including the FBI, are now investigating the shooting. They are working to determine how the shooter accessed the location, what weapon was used, and other key details that have not yet been publicly revealed. The FBI has asked the public to submit any information, photos, or videos related to the shooting through their website or by calling a dedicated hotline.

Biden's Response

President Joe Biden, who was in Delaware at the time of the shooting, flew back to the White House early Sunday morning so he could continue receiving briefings from law enforcement. Earlier, Biden had spoken with Trump and publicly condemned the shooting.

The Broader Context

This tragic event occurred against the backdrop of a deeply divided political landscape in the United States. The shooting has once again raised concerns about the safety of political figures and the potential for violence at high-profile events. As the investigation continues, authorities will likely face pressure to provide a thorough and transparent account of what transpired.

In the aftermath of this incident, the nation will undoubtedly grapple with questions about the state of political discourse, the accessibility of firearms, and the measures needed to ensure the security of public figures and their supporters. The reverberations of this shooting may have far-reaching implications, and the response from both political leaders and the public will be closely watched in the days and weeks to come.