The FBI has identified the man who shot at Donald Trump during a campaign rally as Thomas Matthew Crooks. Crooks allegedly opened fire while the former US president was addressing a crowd in Butler, Pennsylvania, resulting in one audience member’s death and two others being seriously injured. The 20-year-old was shot dead at the scene by a Secret Service sniper, officials reported.
In a statement, the FBI confirmed Crooks as the “subject involved” in the assassination attempt on the former president and noted that an active investigation is ongoing.
Crooks had no identification on him, so investigators used DNA to identify him, according to the FBI. He was from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, about 70km (43 miles) from Butler, where the attempt took place. Bethel Park School District confirmed that Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022.
US media reported that state voter records show Crooks was a registered Republican. Additionally, he had donated $15 to the liberal campaign group ActBlue in 2021.
According to the Associated Press, law enforcement officials believe the weapon used in the shooting was purchased by Crooks’ father. Speaking anonymously, two officers stated that Crooks’ father bought the weapon at least six months ago.
