What We Know About the 20-Year-Old Man Who Attempted to Assassinate Donald Trump

A 20-year-old nursing home employee from suburban Pittsburgh, who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump, was a registered Republican. The suspect, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, PA, packed explosives in the vehicle he drove to a campaign rally an hour from his home.

Law enforcement officials were working on Sunday to gather more information about Crooks to determine his motivation for opening fire at the rally from a nearby rooftop. The attack resulted in the death of one spectator before Crooks was fatally shot by the Secret Service.

The FBI reported on Sunday that they had not yet found any threatening writings or social media posts from Crooks. According to public court records, Crooks, who graduated from high school two years ago, had no prior criminal record. The FBI believes he acted alone.

Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, stated on social media that the upper part of his right ear was pierced in the shooting. Authorities reported that two spectators were critically injured. The deceased victim was identified as Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief from the area, who Pennsylvania’s governor said died a “hero” by protecting his family.

Relatives of Crooks did not immediately respond to messages from The Associated Press. His father, Matthew Crooks, told CNN late Saturday that he was trying to understand “what the hell is going on” but declined to speak about his son until he had spoken with law enforcement.

Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022. In a video of the school’s graduation ceremony posted online, Crooks is seen receiving his diploma, appearing slight of build and wearing glasses. The school district has stated it will fully cooperate with investigators. During his senior year, Crooks received an award for math and science, according to a Tribune-Review story at the time.

Frederick Mach, the current captain of the school’s rifle team, mentioned that Crooks had tried out for the team but was turned away due to poor shooting skills.

Crooks’ political leanings were not immediately clear. While records show he was registered as a Republican voter in Pennsylvania, federal campaign finance reports indicate he also donated $15 to a progressive political action committee on January 20, 2021, the day President Joe Biden was inaugurated.

Bomb-making materials were discovered both in Crooks’ vehicle near the Trump rally and at his home, according to two officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Late Sunday morning, a white Allegheny County Police truck identified as a bomb squad arrived at his home.

A local police officer climbed to the roof and encountered Crooks, who pointed his rifle at the officer. The officer retreated down the ladder, and Crooks quickly fired a shot toward Trump. At that moment, Secret Service snipers shot him, according to the officials who spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation.