Tragic Incident at Trump's Rally: Identifying the Suspect

The FBI identified Thomas Matthew Crooks as the suspect in an attempted assassination of Donald Trump at a campaign rally. Crooks was shot by the Secret Service. One attendee died, and Trump sustained an ear injury. Authorities are investigating Crooks' motives and background.

The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the suspect in the attempted assassination of former U.S. President Donald Trump during a campaign rally on Saturday. Crooks was fatally shot by the Secret Service moments after allegedly firing shots toward Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The FBI is currently investigating Crooks' motives. The attack resulted in the death of one rally attendee and critical injuries to two others. Trump was shot in the ear. Crooks, a registered Republican, was set to vote in his first presidential race in the upcoming November 5 election. He lived about an hour away from the rally's location.

Crooks made a $15 donation to ActBlue's Progressive Turnout Project when he was 17, according to a 2021 Federal Election Commission filing. His father, Matthew Crooks, is waiting to speak to law enforcement before commenting on his son's actions.

Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022 and received a $500 award from the National Math and Science Initiative. Law enforcement had to use alternative methods to identify Crooks, as he carried no ID at the time of the shooting, according to FBI Special Agent Kevin Rojek.

USA Today reported heavy law enforcement presence at Crooks' listed residence, including ATF agents and a bomb squad. The suspect's residence was secured with police tape, and social media accounts linked to Crooks are under investigation.