BUTLER, Pa. (TND) — The man who tried to assassinate former President Donald J. Trump during a political rally was identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.
“The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the subject involved in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13, in Butler, Pennsylvania,” released the FBI after they spoke to reporters in a late-evening news conference.
It remains unclear why Crooks fired shots at Trump as the assassination attempt is being investigated. The FBI didn’t disclose the shooter’s name when they spoke during the news conference.
“We have intelligence analysts as well, working from our field office in Pittsburgh, working feverishly and attempt to identify the individual who did this and any motives,” said Kevin P. Rojek, the special agent in charge of the Pittsburgh Field Office.”
Authorities explained that the shooter’s DNA and biometrics were being examined during the ongoing investigation. The rally site in Butler, Pennsylvania, is still an active crime scene.
The FBI spoke to the media alongside officials with the Pennsylvania State Police. Colonel Chris Paris, Commissioner of Pennsylvania State Police said, “The thoughts and prayers of the Pennsylvania police are with the victims of this terrible act.”
The name of the rally attendees killed and injured were not provided. Authorities did say all three victims were adult males.
A first look at former President Donald Trump was shared by a member of his campaign team stepping off his plane in Newark, New Jersey, since being shot in an assassination attempt.