The FBI has confirmed that the gunman who targeted former President Donald Trump during an election rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday acted alone. The agency is investigating the incident as a potential act of domestic terrorism.
The shooter has been identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. “At this point in the investigation, it appears that he was a lone actor, but we still have more investigation to go,” said Robert Wells, the executive assistant director of the FBI’s National Security Branch. Wells also noted that the FBI is probing the incident as both an assassination attempt and a potential domestic terrorism act. The counterterrorism and criminal divisions are collaborating to determine the motive behind the attack.
During the rally, Trump was hit by a bullet that pierced the upper part of his right ear. Despite the injury, he is safe and has continued with his planned schedule, which includes traveling to Milwaukee to attend the Republican National Convention, where he will be formally nominated as the party’s presidential candidate against incumbent Joe Biden.
FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the severity of the incident, stating, “What we witnessed yesterday was nothing short of an attack on democracy and our democratic process.” Wray highlighted that the investigation is ongoing, limiting the details that can be disclosed at this time.
Preliminary findings from the FBI indicate no mental health issues, threatening posts, or clear motives have been discovered in relation to the gunman. The shooter used an AR-style rifle chambered in 5.56mm, a common caliber for such weapons. Authorities are scrutinizing Crooks’ social media and other personal property to uncover any potential motives.
Crooks recently graduated from the Community College of Allegheny County with an associate degree in engineering science. School officials expressed their shock and sadness over the incident.
In a statement, Kimberly Cheatle, the director of the Secret Service, referred to the attempted assassination as a moment that will “forever be remembered in history.”
President Biden is expected to address the nation from the Oval Office at 8 pm. According to a campaign official, Biden will deliver “a forceful and needed address to update the nation on the horrifying attack on Donald Trump and the need for every American to come together to not just condemn, but put to an end political violence in this country once and for all.”
The investigation continues as authorities seek to piece together the events leading up to the attack and understand Crooks’ motivations.
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