Thomas Matthew Crooks was shot dead by Secret Service agents after he fired at former President Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania, resulting in a bystander being killed in the attempted assassination. Trump sustained a minor injury to his ear, but his campaign assured the public that he was unharmed.
President Joe Biden cautioned against assuming Crooks' motive, emphasizing the need for the FBI to conduct a thorough and swift investigation. Explosive devices were reportedly found in Crooks' car and materials to make a bomb were discovered at his home. Crooks, a registered Republican with no prior criminal record, was a recent high school graduate and had donated to a progressive political organization in the past.
Law enforcement found an AR-15-type rifle near Crooks' body, believed to have been purchased by his father. The investigation into the shooting is still ongoing, as authorities work to determine Crooks' motivation for the attack. Crooks' father expressed shock and confusion over the incident, stating that he would wait to speak with law enforcement before commenting further.
The Bethel Park School District confirmed Crooks' graduation from Bethel Park High School and his receipt of a math and science award. Law enforcement vehicles were stationed outside Crooks' residence, with a bomb squad and ATF agents on the scene. The community and authorities alike are grappling with the aftermath of the tragic event, seeking answers and understanding in the wake of the violence.