Photos And Videos Of Donald Trump Rally Shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks Released

On Saturday, a man named Thomas Matthew Crooks shot several rounds toward Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania. One bullet grazed the former president's right ear.

Just moments after the 78-year-old took the stage, several gunshots were heard, prompting Secret Service agents to rush to the former President, taking cover behind the podium. Blood was visible on his right ear as he was escorted to safety.

In the hours after Thomas Matthew Crooks was identified, photos of the 20-year-old emerged, including one of him receiving his diploma at graduation.

The Secret Service shot and killed the suspected gunman, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. One other bystander was killed, and two others were critically injured.

Following the attempted assassination, photos and videos of Crooks have been released, including one of him graduating from Bethel Park High School in 2022. A yearbook photo of the 20-year-old has also been released.

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Crooks received a $500 "star award" from the National Math and Science Initiative.

Several reports claim Crooks fired approximately eight shots using a semi-automatic rifle. Law enforcement sources say he was located on top of a shed outside the Secret Service's security perimeter, shooting from about 400 feet away from the stage.

According to a statement from the Bethel Park School District provided to local ABC affiliate WJET-TV, Thomas Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022.

"Our school district will cooperate fully with the active law enforcement investigation surrounding this case, and as such, we are limited in what we can publicly disclose," the statement read.

When Crooks was 17, he donated $15 to ActBlue, a political action committee that supports left-leaning and Democratic candidates, as noted in a 2021 Federal Election Commission filing. The donation was designated for the Progressive Turnout Project, a national organization encouraging Democrats to vote, per Reuters.

Crooks' father, Matthew Crooks told CNN that he was trying to understand what happened and would wait to speak with law enforcement before commenting on his son.

Former President Donald Trump sustained injuries during an assassination attempt at a campaign rally on Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania. The former President, who had a bloodied face, reported that he was shot in the ear, describing a "whizzing sound" and a "bullet ripping through skin."

"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 on Truth Social following the incident. "Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured."

It was later confirmed that not one, but two individuals are in critical condition.

"It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear," he confirmed.

"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," Trump added. "GOD BLESS AMERICA!"

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the son of former President RFK, who was assassinated while campaigning for the presidency in 1968, also released a statement. “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,” he posted on X.

Early Sunday morning, Donald Trump released a second statement, emphasizing, "We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness."

"Our love goes out to the other victims and their families. We pray for the recovery of those who were wounded, and hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was so horribly killed," he said. "In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win."