The FBI identifies Thomas Matthew Crooks as the Trump rally shooter

In a tragic incident, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was shot dead by a Secret Service sniper after firing shots at former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The motive behind Crooks' actions remains unclear, with the FBI leading an ongoing investigation into the shooting. Law enforcement officials revealed that the weapon used in the attack was believed to have been purchased by Crooks' father. Crooks, a registered Republican voter, had recently graduated from Bethel Park High School and was set to vote in his first presidential election in November. Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene as the Secret Service swiftly responded to the gunfire, with footage circulating showing the moment the sniper neutralized the threat. FBI officials expressed surprise at the shooter's ability to fire multiple rounds before being stopped. While a motive for the assassination attempt has not been determined, records show that Crooks had made a donation to a progressive political action committee on the day President Joe Biden was inaugurated. Following the incident, Trump expressed condolences for the victims and their families, emphasizing resilience and faith in the face of adversity. The Bethel Park School District pledged full cooperation with law enforcement in the investigation, as authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Crooks' father, Matthew Crooks, expressed shock and confusion over his son's actions, awaiting further information from authorities before making any statements. The FBI, which labeled the incident as an attempted assassination, is working to uncover any potential motives or accomplices involved in the attack. As the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragic event, efforts are underway to ensure the safety and security of public figures and citizens alike in the wake of this alarming incident.