Former President Donald Trump was the target of an assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania.

The incident occurred on July 13, 2024, just two days before the Republican National Convention was set to begin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire at Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The incident left one audience member dead and two others wounded. Crooks, 20, was killed at the scene by a Secret Service sniper.

Donald Trump Survived a Shocking Assasination Attempt

The shooting took place at the Butler Farm Show Grounds, near Butler, Pennsylvania. The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, opened fire from an elevated position, causing panic among the crowd. The Secret Service agents swiftly responded, and the gunman was shot dead.

Donald Trump, who was on stage at the time of the shooting, was injured but his injuries were not life-threatening. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The incident left one rally attendee dead and two others critically injured.

The motive behind the assassination attempt remains unclear. The FBI is investigating the incident as a potential case of domestic terrorism and an assassination attempt. The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, acted alone, according to the FBI.

The assassination attempt has sent shockwaves across the United States and the world. Political leaders from both sides of the aisle have condemned the attack and expressed their condolences to the victims and their families.

The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of political figures and the need for increased security measures. The Secret Service, which is responsible for the protection of the President and other high-profile individuals, is facing scrutiny over the security arrangements at the rally.

The assassination attempt comes at a time of heightened political tension in the United States. The 2024 presidential election is expected to be fiercely contested, with Donald Trump once again seeking the Republican nomination. The incident has underscored the deep political divisions in the country and the potential for violence.

The attempted assassination of Donald Trump is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by political figures in today's polarized political climate. It is a tragic event that has shaken the nation and raised serious questions about the state of American democracy.

Who Was Thomas Matthew Crooks?

Thomas Matthew Crooks was a 20-year-old man from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, who was identified by the FBI as the person who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally on July 13, 2024. He was shot and killed by Secret Service agents at the scene.

Political Activities of Thomas Matthew Crooks

Thomas Matthew Crooks was registered to vote as a Republican, according to a listing in Pennsylvania's voter database that matched his name, age, and address. This registration indicates a potential alignment with conservative political ideologies. However, Federal Election Commission records show that a donor listed as Thomas Crooks with the same address gave $15 to a Democratic-aligned political action committee called the Progressive Turnout Project in January 2021. This donation suggests a possible divergence in his political beliefs or a strategic contribution.

Membership at a Shooting Club

For at least a year, Crooks was a member of the Clairton Sportsmen's Club, a premier shooting facility in the tri-state area of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. The club, which boasts multiple gun ranges, has more than 2,000 members. Attorney Robert S. Bootay III, representing the organization, expressed the club's strong condemnation of the violence.

Weapon Used by Thomas Matthew Crooks

The AR-15 used in the attack was reportedly purchased by Crooks' father about six months ago. Crooks was wearing a T-shirt from Demolition Ranch, a YouTube channel popular for its gun and demolition content, at the time of the shooting. Suspicious devices found in Crooks' vehicle after the shooting were secured by bomb technicians.

Personal Interests of Thomas Matthew Crooks

Crooks was reportedly interested in firearms and had tried out for his high school's rifle team, but was not selected. According to a former member of the team, Crooks was turned away because he was "a bad shooter." This interest in firearms and shooting sports might have played a role in his decision to use a rifle in the assassination attempt.

Employment and Personal Life of Thomas Matthew Crooks

Thomas Matthew Crooks worked as a dietary aid at a local nursing home, earning $16 an hour. His employer described him as a "model employee" with a clean background check. This suggests that Crooks was able to maintain a normal life and job despite any underlying political motivations or personal struggles.

Mental Health and Possible Motives of Thomas Matthew Crooks

While the FBI has not released any information about Thomas Matthew Crooks' mental health or possible motives for the assassination attempt, the fact that he acted alone and was willing to commit such a violent act at a young age raises questions about his mental state and personal beliefs. The FBI is likely investigating his personal life, social media activity, and any possible connections to extremist groups to understand his motive.