Rifle used in Trump assassination attempt belonged to shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks’ father: report
The AR-style rifle used in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump was purchased by the 20-year-old gunman’s father, according to a report.
Thomas Matthew Crooks used a firearm purchased by his father to shoot at the former President during a rally held in Butler, Pa. on Saturday, according to The Wall Street Journal.
His weapon was recovered from the scene after Secret Service snipers killed him moments after he fired several rounds in Trump’s direction.
![Thomas Matthew Crooks](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/thomas-matthew-crooks-man-identified-85442102.jpg?w=784)
A bullet grazed the 45th President’s ear, while one of his rally-goers was killed.
Two other people were critically injured in the attack.
Explosive devices were also found in the car Crooks left not far from Trump’s rally, sources told the Journal.
Police received multiple reports of suspicious packages around the area, prompting them to dispatch bomb technicians, authorities told the outlet.
Officials were working to ensure the scene was clear well into the night before searching Crooks’ family home, the sources added.
Early Sunday, Crooks’ neighbor told The Post that a bomb squad told them they had a report of explosives at the home.
Authorities have not shared a possible motive in the shooting.