The FBI has identified the suspect in the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. This development follows a harrowing incident at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, where Secret Service agents swiftly intervened after gunshots were fired.
Trump, who was rushed offstage by his security detail, later revealed on his Truth Social network that a bullet had pierced the upper part of his right ear. He was treated at a local medical center before returning to his New Jersey home.
"I knew immediately that something was wrong when I heard a whizzing sound and felt the bullet ripping through the skin," Trump wrote, describing the bleeding that ensued. Blood was visible on his ear and face as he was escorted to safety.
The FBI is treating the incident as an assassination attempt. Special Agent Kevin Rojek confirmed the investigation, noting that Crooks had been armed with a rifle and had fired from an elevated position outside the venue. The suspect was shot dead by Secret Service officers at the scene.
The tragic event also claimed the life of one spectator and left two others critically injured. All three victims were male, officials confirmed. Law enforcement sources indicated that Crooks had no identification on him, and investigators are using DNA to confirm his identity.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as shots rang out while Trump addressed his supporters in Butler, a crucial swing state for the upcoming election. Greg, a bystander, recounted spotting a suspicious figure "bear crawling" on a nearby rooftop with a rifle just minutes before the shooting began. Despite his attempts to alert police, the gunman opened fire.
Another witness, Tim, described hearing a "barrage" of shots, causing hydraulic lines to rupture and a speaker to collapse. Amidst the chaos, Trump and his supporters hit the ground for cover. "We couldn’t believe it was happening," said Warren, another attendee.
Debbie, who was also present, recalled a heart-wrenching moment when a young girl beside her cried, fearing for her life. "That broke my heart," she said.
Republican Congressman Ronnie Jackson reported that his nephew sustained a minor neck injury during the shooting and was treated at the scene.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation. President Joe Biden stated,
Quote
"There’s no place in America for this kind of violence. Everybody must condemn it,"
and later spoke directly to Trump. Former President Barack Obama also decried the violence, expressing relief that Trump was not seriously hurt.The attack’s impact on the presidential race remains uncertain, but it underscores the heightened tensions and security concerns surrounding the election.
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