Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump: Shooter Identified, One Spectator Killed

Thomas Matthew Cooks, 20, attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The shooter, who was situated over 130 yards away, was neutralized by US Secret Service. Trump was grazed by a bullet; one spectator was killed, and another critically injured.

Thomas Matthew Cooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, has been identified as the shooter who attempted to assassinate former US President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler. According to sources cited by the New York Post, Cooks fired shots from the roof of a manufacturing plant situated over 130 yards away from the stage. One bullet grazed Trump's ear.

US Secret Service snipers quickly neutralized Cooks, recovering an AR-style rifle. The shooter's motive remains unclear. The incident occurred while Trump was on stage at a campaign rally, and Secret Service agents immediately stormed the stage to protect him. The rally, which was underway in Butler, Pennsylvania, turned chaotic as agents surrounded the Republican candidate and escorted him off the stage. Trump, with blood visible on his face, raised his fist towards the crowd as he was led away.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed that Trump has left the Butler area under Secret Service protection. In a statement posted on X, Shapiro expressed gratitude to law enforcement officers and mourned the loss of life. He also confirmed that the investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with the Pennsylvania State Police handling the case of the other victims.