The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old man from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the individual who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. Crooks reportedly fired at Trump from a rooftop perch about 130 yards away during the rally, striking the upper part of Trump’s right ear while he was speaking to supporters ahead of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
During the incident, one attendee was killed, and two others were injured. The FBI stated that Crooks was shot dead by law enforcement at the scene. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.
Crooks appears to be wearing a Bunker Branding t-shirt. Bunker Branding is sells merchandise that typically aligns with right-wing values. You can see a Bunker Branding logo on Crooks’ shirt in the image below, as well as the American flag and lettering from what appears to be the same shirt in the image of Crooks after he was shot.
Authorities have also found explosive devices in Crooks’ car which was parked nearby and ‘bomb making supplies’ in his home.
The FBI confirmed Crooks’ identity, noting that the investigation remains active and ongoing. They have encouraged anyone with information to submit photos or videos online or to contact the agency directly.
Crooks was a resident of Bethel Park, a suburb of Pittsburgh located about an hour south of Butler. He graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022 and was one of nearly two dozen students from the school to earn a $500 “star award” from the National Math and Science Initiative. An online recording of his graduation ceremony shows him walking across the stage with minimal applause and briefly posing with a school official.
Crooks would have turned 21 in September. He had no reported criminal history, traffic citations, bankruptcies, liens, or foreclosures. Voter registration records indicate that he was a registered Republican, though he only participated in the November 8, 2022, state election due to his age. Federal campaign finance records show he made a $15 donation to the Progressive Turnout Project, a Chicago-based political action committee supporting Democratic candidates.
Law enforcement officials closed roads leading to Crooks’ family’s home in Bethel Park early Sunday morning, but numerous relatives did not respond to messages seeking comment. The Secret Service reported that Crooks fired from an elevated position outside the outdoor rally venue. Authorities recovered an AR-15-type semiautomatic rifle near his body. It is believed that the rifle was purchased legally by Crooks’ father.
The FBI emphasized that the investigation into Crooks’ background and motives is ongoing. They urge anyone with relevant information to assist by submitting tips via their website or by calling their hotline.
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