Registered Republican Thomas Matthew Crooks bear-crawled onto a one-storey building and within minutes opened fire. His father is still trying to figure out ‘what the hell is going on’.
By Smartencyclopedia & Agencies Butler
Butler, PA, July 13, 2024 – Former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt during his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday evening. The FBI has identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, a resident of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. The incident left one rally attendee dead and two others critically injured.
Trump was speaking to supporters at the Butler Farm Show grounds when gunfire erupted. Secret Service agents immediately tackled Trump to the ground and evacuated him from the scene. Trump later posted on Truth Social that a bullet “pierced the upper part of my right ear.”
The FBI is treating the incident as an assassination attempt. Thomas Matthew Crooks, the suspected shooter, was shot dead by Secret Service agents during the attack. Crooks, who graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022, had no prior criminal record.
“During former President Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on the evening of July 13th at approximately 6:15 p.m., a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue,” said Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications for the U.S. Secret Service. “US Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased. US Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and the former president is safe and being evaluated. One spectator was killed, and two spectators were critically injured. The incident is currently under investigation, and the Secret Service has formally notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation.”
The House Oversight Committee has called on Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to testify about the security failure at the rally as part of an investigation into the attempt on Trump’s life.
Trump expressed his gratitude towards the Secret Service and law enforcement for their rapid response. He also extended his condolences to the families of the victims.
“I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania,” Trump said on Truth Social. “Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. Incredibly, such an act can take place in our Country.”
Trump described the moment he realized he had been shot: “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, and shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
This attack comes just days before the Republican National Convention, where Trump is expected to be formally nominated as the Republican candidate for the presidency against incumbent President Joe Biden in the upcoming November elections. The incident has heightened security concerns around political events in an already tense election season.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information regarding the shooting to come forward, ensuring a thorough understanding of the circumstances surrounding this tragic and alarming event.