On July 13, 2024, an assassination attempt was made on former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The assailant, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, positioned himself on a rooftop near the rally venue and fired eight shots at Trump, injuring him in the ear. Tragically, a volunteer firefighter named Corey Comperatore was killed, and two others were critically injured in the attack. Crooks was subsequently shot and killed by a Secret Service sniper.
Key Details:
- Assailant: Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old man, was identified as the shooter. He had previously searched online for information about various politicians and symptoms of depressive disorders. Investigators have not yet determined a clear motive for the attack.
- Security Lapses: The incident highlighted significant security lapses. Local police had previously warned the Secret Service about the potential threat from the rooftop where Crooks positioned himself. However, the Secret Service did not station personnel there, leading to criticism and the resignation of the Secret Service director, Kimberly Cheatle.
- Response and Aftermath: The attack was captured on police bodycam footage, which has since been released to the public. The footage shows the moments leading up to and following the shooting, including the police and Secret Service’s response. The Secret Service has acknowledged the failure and is reviewing its protective measures to prevent future incidents.
This assassination attempt has prompted an investigation by the FBI and has put the Secret Service under scrutiny for its handling of the situation
Thomas Matthew Crooks Activities in the Days Leading Up to the Attempt
- July 6, 2024:
- Crooks registered online to attend the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
- He searched online for information related to political figures and events, including the Democratic National Convention.
- July 12, 2024:
- Crooks visited a local shooting club to practice with his rifle.
- He purchased ammunition both online and in person.
Thomas Matthew Crooks Activities on the Day of the Assassination Attempt (July 13, 2024)
- Morning:
- Crooks requested the day off from his job at a nursing home, citing he had “something to do” and promised to return the next day.
- He asked to borrow his father’s AR-15-style rifle, claiming he was going to a shooting range. His father, who had previously let him use the gun for target shooting, did not suspect anything unusual.
- He purchased 50 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition from a local gun shop.
- He stopped at a Home Depot to buy a 5-foot ladder, although it was not found at the scene and is not believed to have been used to access the roof.
- Afternoon:
- Crooks drove to the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, parking about a third of a mile away at a gas station.
- He was seen walking around near the rally area for at least an hour before the shooting. Video footage showed him pacing just beyond the boundaries of the rally at 5:06 p.m., around one hour and five minutes before shots were fired.
- Minutes Before the Shooting:
- Crooks was seen near the magnetometers, and some witnesses reported him as a suspicious person.
- He made his way to a nearby building, climbing up air conditioner units to get on the roof of an adjacent building. From there, he moved onto a taller building next to it.
The Shooting
- The final moments.
- Rallygoers spotted him on the roof and tried to alert the Secret Service.
- A Butler Township police officer attempted to stop Crooks by climbing up to the roof, but Crooks pointed his gun at the officer, prompting the officer to retreat.
- Crooks opened fire on Trump from a rooftop approximately 200 meters away, using an AR-15-style rifle. He fired eight shots, injuring Trump in the ear and hitting three audience members, one fatally.
- A Secret Service sniper shot back at Crooks, fatally shooting him in the head 26 seconds later.
Aftermath
- Investigators found bomb-making materials in Crooks’ vehicle and home. His motive remains unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.
