The FBI has identified 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania as the suspect involved in the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
The shocking incident took place on Saturday at Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13.
The shooting, which occurred around 6:15 PM local time (10:15 PM GMT), took place whilst Trump was delivering a speech. This left the former president with an injury to his right ear and tragically resulted in the death of one attendee of the rally and critical injuries to two other individuals who were nearby to watch the speech of the former President.
According to witnesses who were at the scene, multiple gunshots suddenly rang out whilst Trump was making a speech to his supporters. The former president was seen by cameras grabbing his right ear and dropping to the ground immediately as Secret Service agents rushed to the stage where the former President was to protect him from the incoming bullets.
The BBC and other major international news outlets report that American Law enforcement sources say that Crooks was positioned on a building rooftop just outside the rally venue. The building is located to the right of the event stage.
The alleged perpetrator was soon killed by Secret Service agents after firing multiple shots towards the stage. The incident is being investigated as a possible assassination attempt.
Trump safe, issues statement
The former president is now safe and treated for non-threatening life injuries.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow,” Trump spokesman Steven Cheung told the Press.
Donald Trump Jr. the former President’s elder son, also assured the public that his father is doing fine.
The full statement of former President Trump is as follows:
“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. 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. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country.
Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. 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, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
