Thomas Matthew Crooks: Everything on 20-year-old man who tried to assassinate Donald Trump

New Delhi: Federal Bureau of Invesigation (FBI) has identified the man who attempted assassination of ex-US president as a 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel, Pennsylvania. Authorities confirmed that Crooks was shot and killed by a Secret Service countersniper during the incident.

Media reports indicate that Crooks acted alone, but the investigation is ongoing to determine his motive. At a press conference late Saturday, officials stated that DNA testing was required as the suspect did not have any identification on him.

"It's a matter of doing biometric confirmations, so there was no identification on the individual for example, so we're looking at photographs right now and we're trying to run his DNA and get biometric confirmation," FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek said.

Who was Thomas Matthew Crooks?

Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old resident of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, has been identified as the assailant in the attack on former President Donald Trump, according to the NY Post. Furthermore, The Washington Post reported that Crooks was registered with the Republican Party. He allegedly fired multiple shots from an elevated position on a manufacturing plant roof, situated 130 yards from the stage at Butler Farm Show grounds, where Trump was addressing supporters.

After the attack, Crooks was shot dead by Secret Service agents, who recovered an AR-style rifle from the scene. The motive for the attack remains unclear, and FBI officials are treating the shooting as an attempted assassination. Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bevins stated, "We're following numerous leads, and it will take some time before we can conclusively determine if there was only one gunman."

Trump's Statement

In a statement posted on Truth Social hours after the incident, Trump detailed his experience: "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." He also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased rallygoer. A spokesperson confirmed that Trump was checked by medical personnel and is fine.

Investigation and Security Concerns

Officials informed ABC News that the shooting is being investigated as an assassination attempt, with live rounds fired from outside the security perimeter. The investigation is being led by the FBI, overseen by the Justice Department's National Security Division, and includes the U.S. attorney's office in Pittsburgh.

The Secret Service released a statement saying that the shooter "fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue" and that agents "neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased."

Shooter's Position and Weapon

Law enforcement sources revealed that Crooks fired up to eight rounds from an AR-style rifle while positioned on a rooftop adjacent to the venue. The shooter was estimated to be 200-300 yards away at the time of the incident.