CLOSE CALL
Secret Service sniper’s shot that took out Trump would-be assassin Thomas Crooks was ‘one-in-a-million,’ source reveals
Cops also found explosive devices in the shooter's car which was parked near the rally
THE kill shot that took out Donald Trump's would-be assassin was "one in a million", investigating sources have revealed.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was "neutralized" by Secret Service snipers shortly after opening fire at the former president during a campaign, sending shockwaves across US politics.
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The kill shot was a single shot taken by a Secret Service counter-sniper, Fox News reports.
And it came as the agent's view was obscured; all they could see was Crook's gun scope, the top of his eye and his forehead.
As the shooter unleashed a barrage of bullets at Trump, a tactical team tried to take a shot at him but failed before the Secret Service agent made the fatal shot.
Shooter Crooks, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, is said to have positioned himself on the roof of a manufacturing plant roughly 200 feet outside the cordoned-off rally zone.
The FBI said he did not have any ID on him at the time, with officials identifying him through his DNA.
Pictures showed armed cops standing over his body on the roof, with an AR-15 reportedly recovered nearby.
Law enforcement officials told The Associated Press that investigators believe the gun was purchased by Crooks's father at least six months ago.
Investigating officials also found explosive devices in Crook's car that was parked near the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, the Wall Street Journal reports.
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Cops said they received many reports of suspicious packages around the parked car.
There were also bomb-making materials found at his home during an investigation.
Shocking video captured the moment he fired some five gunshots at the former president, wounding him, killing someone in the audience, and seriously injuring two others.
The shocking clip shows Trump grabbing his ear in pain before jumping behind a podium to take cover as the gunman opened fire.
Video shows how terrifyingly close Trump came to suffering fatal head shot as pic of sniper’s 'mystery device' emerges
He was seen with blood covering his face as he was swarmed by the Secret Service and rushed off stage in Pennsylvania.
Dramatic footage captured the moment Trump made the "life-saving move" at the last second - right before he was struck.
A hot microphone captured the moment Secret Service agents screamed "Get down!"
More shots rang out as members of the Secret Service swarmed Trump to shield him from any more bullets.
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Trump was then lifted back to his feet and was seen with blood pouring down his face, but defiantly lifted a fist to show the crowd that he was OK.
One audience member was killed in the attack and two were critically injured.
While the motive behind the shocking shooting has not yet been released, state and federal records provide some insight into his political beliefs.
The Pennsylvania native was registered as a Republican in the state and last voted during the midterms in November 2022.
At just 20 years old, Crooks had not previously voted in a Presidential election, making this year the first he would have been able to cast a vote.
It has also been revealed that he made a $15 donation to Democratic action group ActBlue at age 17, Reuters reports.
The donation was made on January 20, 2021, the same day President Joe Biden was inaugurated.
Who was Thomas Matthew Crooks?
Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was identified as the would-be assassin who tried to kill Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, during a campaign rally in Butler Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024.
Who is Thomas Matthew Crooks?
- Thomas Matthew Crooks left few clues about his identity, and investigators said he did not have a social media presence.
- What is known is Crooks was from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, a small suburb about 30 minutes south of Pittsburgh.
- He lived with his parents, Mary Elizabeth Crooks and Matthew Brian Crooks.
- The Crooks have been licensed professional counselors since 2002, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State Licensing System Verification service.
- Thomas Matthew Crooks attended and graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022.
- In May 2024, Crooks graduated from the Community College of Allegheny County with an associate degree in engineering science, the school revealed.
- Crooks was previously employed as a dietary aide at Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
- He was a registered Republican but made a small $15 donation to a progressive political group in January 2021.
- Crooks did not have a criminal history in Pennsylvania.
How did Thomas Crooks obtain the rifle used in the shooting?
- Federal investigators believe the AR-15-style rifle Thomas Crooks used in the shooting on July 13 was legally purchased and registered to his father.
- Matthew Brian Crooks purchased the weapon at least six months before the Trump rally shooting, according to AP News.
- It's unknown how the younger Crooks took possession of the firearm.
- The Crooks family is cooperating with federal investigators.
- Thomas Crooks also had a membership at the local shooting club, the Clairton Sportsmen's Club, for at least a year, according to BBC.
What were Thomas Matthew Crooks' final moments?
- On July 12, federal investigators learned Thomas Crooks visited the Clairton Sportsmen's Club.
- On July 13, the day of the Trump rally in Butler, Crooks went to a Home Depot and purchased a five-foot ladder that investigators believe he used to scale a rooftop about 430 feet outside the Secret Service's perimeter.
- That same day, investigators said Crooks purchased 50 rounds of ammunition at a gun store and drove his Hyundai Sonata an hour north to Butler.
- Crooks fired at least eight shots at Donald Trump and rally-goers at 6:11 pm, less than 10 minutes after the presidential candidate took the stage.
- A Secret Service counter-sniper positioned near the stage where Trump was delivering his remarks returned fire within seconds, killing Crooks.
What was his motive behind the shooting?
- The FBI is still working on determining a motive behind the shooting.
- The federal agency is viewing the act as domestic terrorism.
- Crooks is believed to have acted alone.
- Federal officials have been able to gain access to Crooks' cell phone, but it has yielded no clues about a motive, according to the New York Post.
- Crooks' cell phone and laptop have been sent to the FBI's lab in Quantico, Virginia, for further analysis.
SHOCKWAVES ACROSS US POLITICS
Both Democratic and Republican leaders have called on voters to unite and take a step back from the violence that seems to have permeated American politics.
But for Corey Comperatore, the victim who was killed in the crossfire on Saturday, it is already too late.
Comperatore had worked as a chief of the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company, about 15 miles away from Butler, where the shooting took place.
He has been lauded as a "hero" by PA Governor Josh Shapiro, who revealed the victim's identity on Sunday.
The 50-year-old victim was an "avid supporter of the former president and was so excited to be there last night with him in the community," the governor said.
Hundreds of people attended Competore's funeral at a local church on Friday, according to the New York Times.
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A long procession of police cruisers, fire trucks, and motorcycles could be seen outside the funeral, along with Comperatore's coffin covered in an American flag.
The father of two is survived by his wife Helen and two daughters, Allyson, 27, and Kaylee, 24.
Donald Trump Rally Shooting Reaction
DOZENS of politicians and celebrities have offered their support for the former president after he was reportedly grazed by gunfire at his Pennsylvania rally on July 13.
President Biden held a brief press conference just after 8 pm ET. He said he was hoping to speak to Trump.
"Look, there's no place in America for this kind of violence. It's sick," the president continued. "We cannot condone this."
Vice President Harris said she was "relieved" Trump was not seriously injured.
"Violence such as this has no place in our nation," she continued.
Former President Obama said on X: "There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy.
"Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.
Donald Trump, Jr shared a photo of his father raising a fist moments after he was shot with the caption: "He'll never stop fighting to Save America."
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr said: "Now is the time for every American who loves our country to step back from the division, renounce all violence, and unite in prayer for President Trump and his family."
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said: "I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery."
Britain's new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer took to X to say: "I am appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump's rally and we send him and his family our best wishes.
"Political violence in any form has no place in our societies and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack."
Reform leader and newly elected MP Nigel Farage said it is a "miracle" that his friend is still alive.
Farage told Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: "I was very upset when I heard the news late last night, Donald Trump survived by a miracle, frankly.
"But one innocent man is dead, two are fighting for their lives in hospital. It's horrible, and yet somehow not surprising."
Former PM Boris Johnson also gave his condolences to Trump and his family as he said it shows "the tragic fragility of democracy in the face of violence and unreason".
Ukrainian PM Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been a target for assassins in the past, also said he was "appalled" by the events in the US.
"Such violence has no justification and no place anywhere in the world. Never should violence prevail," he said on X.
"I extend my wishes for strength to everyone who is horrified by this event. I wish America emerges stronger from this."
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