Six weeks have passed since the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. On July 13, the 45th former US president narrowly escaped death when 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks fired at him during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Crooks, positioned on a slanted roof just 150 meters away, opened fire and was subsequently killed by the Secret Service 26 seconds later. Volunteer fire chief Corey Comperatore lost his life in the incident, and two others sustained critical injuries. Trump was also grazed by a bullet on his right ear.
The FBI has been investigating the incident and is now looking into Crooks’ family. According to an anonymous relative, Crooks’ father, Matthew, is a gun enthusiast who has previously sold weapons to family members. The FBI is keen to question the parents to determine their knowledge, if any, about the assassination attempt.
Matthew Crooks, 53, has reportedly hired top attorneys in Pittsburgh to assist the family during the investigation. Both the BBC and CNN reported that Crooks’ parents tried to contact their son and, failing to reach him, contacted the police.
Donald Trump left with bloodied face after assassination attempt while on stage during a rally. He appears to have been shot in the head! pic.twitter.com/UfgYJfTz0A
— J Stewart (@triffic_stuff_) July 13, 2024
In a surprising development, the body of Thomas Crooks went missing. Louisiana Republican Clay Higgins, tasked with reviewing the motives behind the attack, discovered on August 5 that Crooks’ body wasn’t available for inspection. He revealed that the FBI had released the body for cremation 10 days after the attempt and returned the remains to the family.
The investigation continues as authorities seek answers regarding the extent of Crooks’ family’s involvement, if any, in the assassination attempt on Trump.
What Other Media Are Saying
- CNN details the investigation into Thomas Matthew Crooks’ assassination attempt on Donald Trump, with Crooks’s actions and motives still unclear, and law enforcement struggling to understand his motivations.(read more)
- AP News provides a detailed account of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, describing the enigmatic figure of the 20-year-old shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, who remains an elusive enigma despite extensive FBI investigations.(read more)
- Trump rally shooter searched online for violent incidents and political figures before attempting to shoot Donald Trump, highlighting his interest in explosives and firearms.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened to Donald Trump in the assassination attempt?
Donald Trump was grazed by a bullet on his right ear.
Who was the shooter in the Trump assassination attempt?
The shooter was 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks.
How long did it take the Secret Service to neutralize the shooter?
The Secret Service shot Thomas Matthew Crooks 26 seconds after he opened fire.
What is the FBI investigating after the assassination attempt?
The FBI is investigating Crooks’ family, including his father, to determine their knowledge of the attempt.
What unusual event occurred with the shooter’s body?
The shooter’s body ‘went missing’ and was cremated 10 days after the incident.