Thomas Matthew Crooks: Rifle Used by Donald Trump Shooter Purchased 11 Years Ago

Federal investigators found that the rifle used in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on Saturday was legally purchased by Thomas Matthew Crooks's father in 2013.

The Donald Trump shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, bought 50 rounds of ammunition on the morning of the shooting, according to The Washington Post.

The FBI has accessed Crooks' cellphone data but is still trying to determine his motive for the attack at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, which injured Trump, killed one attendee and critically injured two others.

Despite having access to Crooks' phone and speaking with his family and friends, investigators have found little information about his motive.

They have not discovered strong evidence of an ideology driving Crooks to commit the act.

Crooks, from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, graduated in May with an associate's degree in engineering science.

He used an AR-style rifle with a 5.56mm caliber, which authorities identified and traced using records from a now-closed gun dealership.

On the day of the shooting, Crooks bought ammunition at a local gun store, Alleghany Arms, whose owner and employees declined to comment but stated their intention to cooperate fully with law enforcement.

Investigation into Thomas Crooks' Background and Motive

Thomas Matthew Crooks, the gunman in the Trump assassination attempt, was identified through DNA and facial recognition, according to the FBI.

Donald Trump shooter, from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022 with a $500 prize for math and science.

He worked in a nursing home kitchen and attended the Community College of Allegheny from September 2021 to May 2024, graduating with high honors in engineering science, BBC reports.

He had no prior disciplinary issues.

State records show Crooks was a registered Republican who donated $15 to the liberal group ActBlue in 2021.

He was also a member of the Clairton Sportsmen's Club, a large shooting club near Pittsburgh.

The FBI is investigating Crooks' motive, having accessed his phone and digital evidence.

Special Agent Kevin Rojek stated the investigation could last months. Crooks' father is cooperating, and over 100 interviews have been conducted.

Locals described Crooks as a quiet loner, intelligent but odd, and passionate about history.

The shooting killed Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old volunteer fire chief who died protecting his family, and injured David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74, both in stable condition.

Trump Recounts Near-Fatal Shooting Incident

Former President Donald Trump recalled the harrowing experience when an assailant fired at him during a Pennsylvania campaign rally, describing it as surreal and life-threatening, the New York Post noted.

Speaking from his private plane en route to the GOP National Convention in Milwaukee, Trump, with a bandaged ear from the near-fatal shot, credited his survival to turning his head just in time.

He described the doctor's assessment at the hospital as miraculous, given the severity of the Trump assassination attempt.

Despite his initial urge to continue addressing supporters after the shooting, Trump was quickly escorted off stage by Secret Service agents, whom he likened to football linebackers rushing to protect him.

He humorously mentioned that their swift action caused his shoes to fall off, illustrating the moment's intensity.

Trump commended the Secret Service for swiftly apprehending Thomas Matthew Crooks and preventing further harm.

Reflecting on the iconic image of him defiantly raising his fist during the crisis, he acknowledged its impact.

Former President Donald Trump expressed gratitude for surviving such a traumatic ordeal.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Donald Trump assassination attempt suspect named by FBI as Thomas Matthew Crooks - From BBC News