Last Sunday, the FBI identified Thomas Matthew Crooks as the suspected perpetrator of the assassination attempt on Trump. The motive behind the attack is still unknown. Investigations are ongoing.

Last Sunday, the FBI identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the alleged perpetrator of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. The incident, classified as an attempted assassination, has shocked the public and raised a series of questions about who this young man was and what could have been his motive for carrying out such a ruthless act. According to American media outlets, Crooks allegedly fired multiple shots from an elevated position outside the rally before being neutralized by Secret Service agents. A semi-automatic AR-15 rifle was recovered near his body, a weapon that was reportedly legally acquired by his father. Additionally, bomb-making materials were found in his vehicle, adding a chilling element to this case. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the young man before the shooting and alerted authorities. Ryan Knight, a Trump supporter, stated that he saw the assailant in a nearby building, highlighting the premeditation behind this violent act. A video released by TMZ shows the alleged shooter preparing to fire from the roof of a building, further raising concerns about the planning that may have gone into this incident. The motive behind the attack has not yet been identified by authorities, who are thoroughly investigating the case. Crooks was registered as a Republican in state voter records, and his possible affiliation with the Democratic Party has been mentioned through a donation to a political action committee supporting left-wing politicians. However, a clear link between his political beliefs and the attack has not been established. Thomas Crooks, a 2022 graduate of Bethel Park High School, appeared to be a standout student, receiving academic awards. However, his ruthless action has left his community stunned and sparked a debate on the importance of mental health and violence prevention among young people. The lack of identification at the scene of the attack and the need to use other methods to confirm his identity have added a layer of mystery to this tragic event. Authorities continue to investigate this case thoroughly, with a significant law enforcement presence at Crooks' residence and a bomb squad on site. Neighbors in the area have expressed shock over the incident, emphasizing the need to understand the motives that led this young man to commit such a violent act. This regrettable incident once again underscores the importance of security at public events and the need to address violence at its roots to prevent tragedies like this in the future.