FBI Names Thomas Matthew Crooks as Suspect in Shooting at Trump Rally

The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the suspect in the shooting incident at a rally attended by former US President Donald Trump. The incident took place at a farm show in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Secret Service agents shot Crooks dead as he was positioned on a building’s roof just outside the venue.

Incident Details

• One attendee was killed and two spectators were critically injured, all identified as men.
• Crooks was registered as a Republican in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, but had also donated to the Progressive Turnout Project, a liberal group.
• No criminal record was found for Crooks in Pennsylvania.

Shooting Scene

A video geolocated by the AP shows the shooter’s body on the roof of a building near the rally venue. The shooter was able to get within a close range of the stage where Trump was speaking, raising concerns about security measures.

Law Enforcement Response

• Law enforcement recovered an AR-style rifle at the scene.
• The U.S. Secret Service counterassault team killed the shooter.

Investigation and Impact

The investigation remains active and ongoing, with the incident being the most serious attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since 1981. The attack highlighted concerns about political violence in the US, underscoring the deeply polarized environment in the country.