By Afolabi Samuel Odunayo
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has identified one Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old male from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the gunman who fired shots during a campaign rally by United States Republican Presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania.
The incident, which has been classified as a suspected assassination attempt, occurred on Saturday.
The Butler County District Attorney confirmed the development in an official statement. During the attack, one member of the audience was reportedly killed, and another is said to be in critical condition.
The alarming situation unfolded as Trump was addressing his supporters. Footage from the rally shows Trump abruptly halting his speech as a gunshot rang out. He quickly ducked down, attempting to evade the projectile, while Secret Service agents immediately formed a human shield around him. Trump was then escorted off the stage and into a nearby armored vehicle, clutching his head where he had been grazed by a bullet.
Despite having blood dripping from his right ear and splattering across his face, Trump managed to wave and pump his fist in the air to reassure his supporters as he was evacuated.
The Secret Service agents on site said they neutralized the shooter. “The shooter is no longer a threat,” an agent was heard saying before Trump was safely taken away. Reports indicate that Crooks launched the attack from a low roof just outside the perimeter of the rally.
The investigation into the incident is said to be ongoing, as authorities work to understand Crooks’ motives and any potential connections.
