TL/DR –
Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania using an AR-15 style rifle. Crooks, who has no known history of mental health issues or prior threats, killed a spectator and wounded others before being shot and killed by Secret Service agents. The FBI is investigating the incident as a potential case of domestic terrorism and found materials for explosives in Crooks’s car, but have not yet uncovered a clear motive or any strong political beliefs linked to the suspect.
Investigation into Attempted Assassination of Former President at Trump Rally
Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old with a recent engineering science degree and a chess enthusiast, attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally on Saturday. The FBI identified the assailant as Crooks, who used an AR-15 style rifle for the attack. They are investigating this as a potential domestic terrorism case and reported that explosives materials were found in his vehicle.
Crooks Leaves Few Clues
Despite Crooks’ age, there was a surprisingly limited amount of personal information available about him online. His political affiliations were unclear; although a registered Republican, he had donated to a progressive cause in 2021. Crooks, who had no prior history of mental health issues or previous threats, was not on the radar of federal law enforcement.
Investigation into the Attack
The FBI is diligently scrutinizing Crooks’ online presence and attempting to gain access to his phone for more insight into his motivations. The assailant, who was killed by Secret Service agents soon after opening fire, injured Trump and killed a spectator in the process. Attorney General Merrick Garland described the shooting as an “attack on our democracy.”
Details about Crooks’ Background
Crooks hailed from Bethel Park, a relatively affluent suburb of Pittsburgh. His parents were both licensed counselors. Crooks was known to be intelligent and had recently graduated with an associate degree in engineering science from the Community College of Allegheny County. He was working as a dietary aide at a local nursing home, which reported no indications of any concerns about him.
FBI’s Efforts to Uncover Motive
The FBI has found no manifesto and confirmed that Crooks did not have a remarkable online history. Despite this, the bureau is working extensively to understand his motivations, interviewing friends and family members and searching for clues left behind. Crooks had not been previously under FBI investigation. He had an interest in chess and video games, and was learning programming.
Information about Firearms and Explosives
An AR-15-type semiautomatic rifle was found next to Crooks’ body. The weapon was believed to have been purchased by his father, but it remains unclear how Crooks obtained it. Materials for two explosive devices were found in his car, and authorities suspect they may have discovered a third at his residence. The gunman’s family is cooperating with the investigation.
Information about Crooks’ Political Beliefs
Public records show Crooks as a registered Republican. However, in spite of this, federal campaign finance records reveal a donation of $15 to the Progressive Turnout Project, a liberal group, through the Democratic donation platform ActBlue in January 2021.
Reaction from the Community
The local community in Bethel Park has been left in shock by the incident. Council member Dan Grzybek, who lives near the gunman’s family, reported an influx of people visiting the street, filming, and taking pictures.
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