The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the United States identified as the alleged author of the shots at the Donald Trump rally in Butler (Pennsylvania) a 20-year-old man named Thomas Matthew Crooks. The suspect, who was shot dead by security forces, is a resident of Bethel Park, in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, about 70 km from Butler.
“This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and anyone with information that could assist with the investigation is encouraged to submit photos or videos online,” the statement added.
A 20-year-old Republican voter
According to the New York Post, Crooks shot Trump from the roof of a building at the Butler Fairgrounds, located just over 100 metres from the stage. There he was shot dead by the shooters protecting the former president. Crooks was registered as a Republican voter, according to available census information to which several American media outlets have had access.
According to CNN, when officers reached the sniper, who was lying on the roof where he had fired the shots, he was not carrying any identification, which delayed his identification for hours.
In fact, the first reports in the American tabloids pointed to Mark Violets, an ANTIFA militant, but this was finally denied by the FBI and the identity of the attacker was confirmed.The shooter fired at least 12 shots at former President Donald Trump, hitting him in the ear during a rally.
The attack and attempted slaying left at least two people injured (Trump and a woman in a red cap) and two dead: the perpetrator of the attack and a doctor who participated in the event as a Republican supporter. The two injured people are hospitalized in serious condition, according to Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens of the Pennsylvania Police.
The shooter, who was killed by Secret Service officers, was on a rooftop outside the perimeter of the campaign event, Butler District Attorney said.