News Brief

'Shooter Acted Alone, Firearm Purchased Legally': FBI Findings On Donald Trump Assassination Attempt

Nishtha Anushree

Jul 15, 2024, 10:34 AM | Updated 10:34 AM IST


FBI seal (Pic Via Wikipedia)
FBI seal (Pic Via Wikipedia)

The 20-year-old who attempted to assassinate former US President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania on Saturday (13 July) has been identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The shooting which resulted in one victim's death and injuries to Trump and other spectators, is being investigated as "an assassination attempt and potential domestic terrorism" by the FBI.

"While the investigation to date indicates the shooter acted alone, the FBI continues to conduct logical investigative activity to determine if there were any co-conspirators associated with this attack," the FBI said.

The FBI has not identified a motive for the shooter’s actions. It is working to determine the sequence of events and the shooter’s movements prior to the shooting.

Evidence is being collected and reviewed, interviews are being conducted and all leads are being followed up. "We have also obtained the shooter’s telephone for examination," the FBI said.

"The FBI has searched the shooter’s home and vehicle to collect additional evidence. Suspicious devices found at both locations have been rendered safe by bomb technicians and are being evaluated at the FBI Laboratory," it added.

Notably, the FBI said that the firearm used in the shooting was purchased legally and the shooter does not have any criminal history in the FBI data.

Crooks graduated in 2022 from Bethel Park High School and is being described as a "quiet" student and a "loner." He was set to vote for the first time and had himself registered as a Republican.

The Secret Service snipers immediately took him down after the attack. An assault rifle, AR-15, was found near his body. His photo was released later that shows him wearing glasses and smiling into the camera. 

Nishtha Anushree is Senior Sub-editor at Swarajya. She tweets at @nishthaanushree.


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