Law enforcement officials have revealed that bomb-making materials were found inside the vehicle and home of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old suspect in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The FBI identified Crooks, from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, early Sunday as they continued their investigation into the shooting that took place at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the discovery of explosives, indicating the potential for further violence had the situation escalated. Crooks, who opened fire from a rooftop outside the rally venue, was killed by Secret Service agents. The motive for the attack remains unclear, and public records show no past criminal cases against Crooks.
Incident Details:
- Location: Butler, Pennsylvania
- Date: July 13, 2024
- Suspect: Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania
- Victims: Corey Comperatore, a retired fire chief, was killed; two spectators were critically injured.
- Former President Trump: Shot in the upper part of his right ear, now in “great spirits” and doing well.
Former President Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, addressed the incident on social media, describing the moment he was shot. “I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin,” he wrote. Trump credited “God alone” for preventing a more tragic outcome and called for unity and resilience in the face of such attacks.
Investigation Ongoing:
- The FBI is continuing its investigation to determine Crooks’ motive.
- Relatives of Crooks have not yet responded to messages, though his father, Matthew Crooks, expressed confusion and concern when contacted by CNN.
Public and Political Reactions:
- The shooting has prompted calls for unity from leaders across the political spectrum.
- Trump emphasized the need for Americans to remain strong and determined, asserting, “It is more important than ever that we stand united and show our true character as Americans, remaining strong and determined, and not allowing evil to win.”
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Secret Service, are working diligently to gather more information about Crooks and any potential accomplices or further threats. The discovery of explosives highlights the gravity of the situation and the potential for even more significant harm had the attack not been swiftly neutralized.
