BUTLER COUNTY, PA (WOAY)- The FBI identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania as the suspected shooter. They are still investigating for a potential motive for this attempted assassination.
He allegedly used an AR15 style weapon that was legally purchased by his father in 2013, according to law enforcement. Crooks was on top of roof of a nearby building, less than 400 feet away from the podium. Moments before shots were made, a local police officer had confronted him. Crooks aimed the gun at him, forcing the officer to retreat and fall down, police officials stated.
The FBI currently investigating the attempted assassination plot, while the Pennsylvania State Police investigate the murder of the rally goer who died at this event.
Pennsylvania Govenor Josh Shapiro identifies the attendee that lost their life at the rally and named a hero. Corey Comperatore “dove on his family to protect them,” as Govenor Shapiro said in a press briefing this morning. Biden, Trump, and many other political figures sending their condolences to his family.
There were two other men that were injured at this event but have not been identified. Former President Trump started a GoFundMe to support the victims of the shooting. That GoFundMe has raised over $3 million.
This all before the Republican National Convention that’ll start tomorrow in Milwaukee, WI. Trump has arrived today for the convention, though he stated he considered delaying it after this. He then said he wouldn’t allow a potential assassin to force a change of schedule.
Locally our U.S Senator Joe Manchin release a statement of yesterday’s event today saying quote…
“Our nation stands at a critical moment in our history. I love my country and I cannot stand by and watch these events unfold without trying to use my voice. The horrible actions of yesterday are the actions of one man, but they should surprise no one in the toxic political environment we find ourselves in today. But nothing good has ever come from hate. Sadly, one innocent rallygoer is dead and others injured because we have allowed hate speech to become a rallying cry for political violence. We are fortunate that former President Donald Trump was only wounded and will recover.”
This investigation is ongoing and Newswatch will continue to update you as we learn more.
Trump rally shooting live updates: New details emerge about suspected shooter | AP News
