Unveiling the Trump Assassination Attempt: The Identification of Thomas Matthew Crooks

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a startling and tragic event, the political landscape of the United States was rocked by an assassination attempt on Saturday on former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was swiftly neutralized by law enforcement moments after he opened fire, according to the information provided in a report on the USA TODAY web site.  This incident has triggered an extensive investigation by the FBI and other federal agencies, as the nation grapples with the implications of such a brazen act of violence.

The FBI issued a statement confirming Crooks’ identity: “The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the subject involved in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13, in Butler, Pennsylvania. This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is encouraged to submit photos or videos online at FBI.gov/butler or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.”

Crooks was killed by law enforcement officials immediately after he initiated the attack. The rapid response of the officers on the scene was crucial in preventing further casualties. USA TODAY reported that  Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police praised the prompt action taken by law enforcement, stating, “Law enforcement, I believe, acted heroically, quickly identifying and neutralizing the threat as well as responding to assist the various victims.”

Crooks did not carry any identification, complicating the initial efforts to determine who he was. Kevin Rojek, the FBI special agent in charge, provided insights during a late-night press conference in Butler, Pennsylvania. “We’re looking at photographs right now and we’re trying to run his DNA and get biometric confirmation,” Rojek said, as was reported by USA TODAY. These steps highlight the meticulous process required to confirm the identity of the attacker in the absence of immediate identification documents.

By 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, a significant law enforcement presence was noted outside Crooks’ residence in Bethel Park, about 42 miles south of Butler. The scene was heavily guarded with dozens of law enforcement vehicles, and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) were present, as per the information contained in the USA TODAY report. A bomb squad was also deployed to the residence, indicating the thoroughness of the investigation and the potential concerns about additional threats.

Neighbors expressed shock and disbelief at the revelation of Crooks’ involvement in the assassination attempt. The suburban community, characterized by its tranquil setting along a winding road, found itself at the center of a high-profile investigation. The residents’ reactions underscore the often-hidden facets of individuals who commit such acts of violence and the community’s struggle to reconcile these actions with their perception of the individual.

Dan Maloney, a 30-year-old resident, discovered the shooter’s identity through social media. “It’s insanity that anyone would do this,” Maloney remarked, noting that he had considered attending the rally himself, as was indicated in the USA TODAY report. His sentiment is echoed by many in the community who are grappling with the reality that the assailant lived among them.

John Wolf, a 50-year-old construction superintendent who resides just down the road from Crooks, expressed the fear and shock that has gripped his neighborhood. “People are scared,” Wolf said, USA TODAY reported. He shared that his sister informed him about the shooter’s local ties, adding to the collective anxiety. Wolf, who had also planned to attend the rally but decided against it due to the heat, encapsulated the disbelief shared by many residents.

According to the database service LexisNexis, Crooks was a registered Republican and an active voter. He graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022, painting a picture of an ordinary young man from a suburban background. Despite multiple attempts by USA Today to reach Crooks’ family members, there has been no immediate response, leaving many questions about his motivations and state of mind unanswered.

The rally, intended as a platform for Trump’s presumptive Republican presidential nomination, was abruptly disrupted by gunfire. Trump, covered by security personnel, was seen ducking down and putting his hand to the side of his head. USA TODAY reported that witnesses said that they saw blood on his ear and face as he was quickly ushered off stage. The rapid response of the Secret Service and law enforcement officials was critical in preventing further harm.

Several hours after the incident, Trump took to Truth Social to express his gratitude to the Secret Service and law enforcement for their swift action. “I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania,” Trump wrote, according to the USA TODAY report. He also extended condolences to the families of the deceased and the injured.

Trump provided a personal account of the shooting, detailing the immediate aftermath of being struck by a bullet. “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening.”

The FBI continues to investigate the incident, urging anyone with information to come forward. The report in USA TODAY said that Special Agent Kevin Rojek explained that the lack of identification on Crooks necessitated the use of alternative methods, such as DNA and biometric confirmation, to establish his identity. Law enforcement officials have maintained a strong presence at Crooks’ residence in Bethel Park, with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and a bomb squad involved in the investigation.