On July 13, 2024, a shocking assassination attempt took place at a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. Thomas Crooks, a 20-year-old individual, accessed the roof of a building near the rally site and fired at Trump with an AR-15-style firearm. The attempt resulted in the president sustaining a minor injury to his ear, while one man was killed and two others were hospitalized with gunshot wounds.
The FBI has been diligently investigating the incident, examining over 2,100 tips related to the case. Crooks' actions leading up to the shooting have been scrutinized, including his internet searches for current and former presidents and his interest in firearms. It was revealed that Crooks purchased an AR-15-style rifle with ammunition on the morning of the rally and had made previous online firearms purchases using an alias.
Despite law enforcement officers noticing a suspicious person near the rally site prior to the shooting, Crooks managed to evade security and carry out the assassination attempt. The FBI is working tirelessly to gather more information and establish a clearer timeline of events. Investigators have determined that Crooks had few social connections and appeared to be a loner.
The motive behind Crooks' actions remains unclear, and the FBI is exploring the possibility of any coconspirators. While Trump is expected to return to Butler for another rally in the future, no details have been released regarding the timing of the event. The community of Butler and neighboring townships were left shaken by the attempted assassination, and authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety of future events.