Much about the man who allegedly took aim at a former president on Saturday remained a mystery on Monday, as teams of FBI investigators scoured the 20-year-old’s gunman’s background, building a timeline of his actions and sifting through his digital history in search of a motive.
The attempted assassination was being investigated as a potential act of domestic terrorism, the FBI said in a statement late Sunday.
“The FBI has not identified a motive for the shooter’s actions, but we are working to determine the sequence of events and the shooter’s movements prior to the shooting, collecting and reviewing evidence, conducting interviews, and following up on all leads,” the bureau said in the statement.
Secret Service members tend to republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump onstage after he was grazed by a bullet at a rally on July 13, 2024.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Trump was shot in an assassination attempt at an election rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, the FBI said. Secret Service agents swarmed the former president before leading him off the stage to a waiting vehicle. Trump is “fine,” a spokesperson later said.
The alleged shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot and killed at the scene, the Secret Service said. One spectator was killed and two were hurt, officials said.
Investigators have begun retracing the suspect’s steps, an attempt to figure out how Crooks could have made it up onto the roof, which had been swept prior to the event, law enforcement sources told ABC News.
An FBI investigator hoses off a rooftop where a gunman had been positioned during the law enforcement investigation into gunfire at a campaign rally of Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, U.S. July 14, 2024.
Carlos Osorio/Reuters
He was perched on the building outside the security perimeter, where the crowd passing through was checked for weapons, but was fewer than 400 feet from the podium where Trump was speaking, officials said.
FBI investigators, led by the Pittsburgh Field Office, have searched Crook’s home in Bethel Park, a suburb of Pittsburgh. They’ve also searched his vehicle, which was at the scene of the shooting in Butler, the FBI said.
“Suspicious devices found at both locations have been rendered safe by bomb technicians and are being evaluated at the FBI Laboratory,” the FBI said.
A view of the home of 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, named by the FBI as the “subject involved” in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, July 15, 2024.
Aaron Josefczyk/Reuters
The AR-15 style rifle allegedly used by Crooks had been legally purchased by the suspect’s father, law enforcement sources told ABC News. The family is cooperating with the investigation.
The bureau said it has also began combing through the shooter’s phone.
“At present, we have not identified an ideology associated with the subject,” Kevin Rojeck, a special agent, said. “But I want to remind everyone that we’re still very early in this investigation.”
The recent attempted assassination of President Donald Trump has sent shockwaves through the nation, with many wondering about the motives behind such a brazen attack. The FBI has launched an investigation into the incident, emphasizing that it is still in the early stages and that much is still unknown.
The incident occurred during a rally in Las Vegas, where a gunman opened fire on the president before being apprehended by security personnel. Fortunately, no one was injured in the attack, but the potential for tragedy has raised concerns about the safety of public figures and the state of political discourse in the country.
The FBI has been working diligently to piece together the events leading up to the assassination attempt, interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence to determine the motive behind the attack. While speculation has been rampant in the media, authorities are cautioning against jumping to conclusions before all the facts are known.
One of the key challenges facing investigators is determining whether the gunman acted alone or if there were others involved in planning or carrying out the attack. The FBI is also looking into the suspect’s background, including any possible ties to extremist groups or individuals who may have influenced his actions.
In a statement released to the press, FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the importance of a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident. “It is crucial that we approach this case with an open mind and a commitment to uncovering the truth,” Wray said. “We owe it to the American people to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible for this heinous act are held accountable.”
As the investigation continues, the FBI is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in their efforts. The agency is also working closely with local law enforcement agencies and other federal partners to ensure that all avenues are explored in the search for answers.
While the motive behind the attempted assassination of President Trump remains unclear, one thing is certain: the FBI is committed to uncovering the truth and bringing those responsible to justice. As the investigation progresses, Americans can only hope for a swift resolution and a renewed commitment to civility and respect in our political discourse.
