Who is Thomas Matthew Crooks? What to know about the suspected Donald Trump shooter
FORMER US President Donald Trump was shot while speaking at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday, July 13 – leaving him with a bloody face.
Trump was seen clutching his ear after the horror assassination attempt – here’s everything we know about the suspected shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks.
What happened to Donald Trump during his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania?
The Republican was delivering a speech to a large crowd in Pennsylvania when he was hit by a sniper’s bullet in the ear.
Trump was swiftly bundled to the ground by his Secret Service agents who then led him away to safety.
The ex-president pumped his fist as he was leaving – his face visibly dripping with blood.
Trump took to his personal social media later on to say he was shot and the bullet hit him in the “upper part of my right ear.”
What we know so far:
- A shooter opened fire at a Donald Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, killing one, critically injuring two others, and wounding the former president
- Gunfire broke out during the Republican front-runner’s speech at around 6:15 pm EST on Saturday evening
- Dramatic footage showed the moment Trump dived behind his podium as Secret Service agents closed in
- The FBI confirmed it was an assassination attempt, but said there was no prior threat
- Trump broke his silence with a statement describing the shooting in detail – as bullets ripped through his ear
- The shooter – identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks – was shot dead by Secret Service agents
- A witness from the scene claims he alerted police to a man on a nearby roof with a rifle before the assassination attempt
- President Joe Biden dubbed the shooting “sick,” and has suspended campaigning for the next two days
- Trump was rushed to hospital Saturday evening but was later released and has since left Pennsylvania
He assured his fans and supporters he was “fine”.
One audience member was killed in the attack at Butler Farm Show grounds and two others critically injured.
The victims have not yet been identified.
President Biden held a press conference after the incident and called the shooting “sick.”
He declared: “There’s no place in America for this kind of violence.”
The White House said Biden spoke with his political foe after the shooting.
The FBI has now taken over the investigation.
A stunned eyewitness has described the moment he saw the suspected assassin crawl onto a nearby roof clutching a rifle before opening fire.
“We noticed a guy crawling, you know army, bear crawling up the roof of the building 50ft away from us,” he said.
“So we are standing there pointing at the guy crawling up the roof, he had a rifle, we could clearly see he had a rifle.”
Speaking to the BBC, he added: “I’m standing there pointing at him for two-three minutes, the secret service is looking at us from the top of the barn – I’m pointing at that roof.
“And next thing you know – five shots rang out.”
Who is Thomas Matthew Crooks?
Law enforcement named the suspected shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.
Crooks, 20, is said to have positioned himself on the roof of a manufacturing plant roughly 200 feet outside the rally zone.
He was later shot dead by counter-sniper officials who fired at him from the roof of another building nearby.
Officers said they are looking into the motive for the shooting but have confirmed it as an assassination attempt on the former President.
The FBI released a statement during the early hours of Sunday saying: “The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the subject involved in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on 13 July, in Butler, Pennsylvania.
“This remains an active and ongoing investigation.”
Anthony Guglielmi, chief of comms for the bureau, confirmed that Crooks was “neutralised” by Secret Service agents on the scene.
Trump Rally Timeline
Donald Trump was reportedly shot at his Pennsylvania rally on Saturday afternoon.
1pm: Doors open at the Butler Farm Show grounds where Trump was expected to speak at 5pm.
4:11pm: Sean Parnell gave the opening speech.
4:35pm: David McCormick rallied the crowd.
5:30pm: Crowds were still waiting for Trump.
6:03pm: Trump takes the stage.
6:11pm: Gunshots were fired as Trump delivered remarks.
6:12pm: Trump was ushered off stage by Secret Service agents.
6:42pm: Secret Service confirmed Trump is safe.
7:24pm: The shooter and one rally attendee are confirmed dead by law enforcement officials.
8:42pm: Trump confirms he was shot in the ear, sharing a statement on Truth Social.
8:49pm: The Secret Service confirms the shooter and a rally attendee are dead. Two others remain critically injured.
The FBI managed to identify Crooks through his DNA with officials saying he didn’t have any ID on him when he was found.
An AR-15 was reportedly recovered near his body.
Photos circulating online of a man believed to be Crooks show him wearing a merchandise T-shirt linked to a YouTube channel devoted to guns called Demolition Ranch.
Verified by NBC, the pictures show him bleeding and surrounded by security agents.
What has Donald Trump said since?
Trump thanked law enforcement for their swift response to the gunfire, offering his condolences to the families of those affected.
He took to Truth Social hours after the shooting to say: “I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania.
“Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured.
“It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead.
“I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin.
“Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
Trump Rally Shooting Reaction
Dozens of politicians and celebrities have offered their support for the former president after he was reportedly grazed by gunfire at his Pennsylvania rally on July 13.
President Biden held a brief press conference just after 8 pm ET. He said he was hoping to speak to Trump. “Look, there’s no place in America for this kind of violence. It’s sick,” the president continued. “We cannot condone this.”
Vice President Harris said she was “relieved” Trump was not seriously injured. “Violence such as this has no place in our nation,” she continued.
Former President Obama: “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.
Donald Trump, Jr shared a photo of his father raising a fist moments after he was shot with the caption: “He’ll never stop fighting to Save America.”
Ohio Senator JD Vance: “Everyone join me in praying for our President Trump and everyone at that rally. I hope everyone is ok.”
Florida Senator Marco Rubio: “Praying for President Trump and all those attending the rally in Pennsylvania today.”
South Carolina Senator Tim Scott: “Please join me in praying for President Donald J. Trump and the safety of those at the Trump rally.”
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr: “Now is the time for every American who loves our country to step back from the division, renounce all violence, and unite in prayer for President Trump and his family.”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said: “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery.”