The recent attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania has raised questions about the shooter’s motivations and potential targets. 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks had searched for information on both the Republican National Convention and the Democratic National Convention before targeting the Trump event in Butler. There is no evidence of any co-conspirators involved in the attack, according to FBI officials. Crooks had engaged in a detailed planning effort before ultimately deciding to target the Trump rally, which officials believe was a “target of opportunity.”
The shooter’s family has been cooperating with the investigation, and the FBI has found a mixture of ideologies in Crooks’ online content. Trump, who narrowly avoided being hit by a bullet during the attack, has been briefed on the investigation by the FBI. The attack also resulted in the death of former fire chief Corey Comperatore and injuries to others.
In response to the incident, Kimberly Cheatle, the director of the Secret Service at the time of the shooting, stepped down under pressure from lawmakers, and multiple officials were placed on leave pending an internal investigation. Trump has since spoken at an outdoor rally in North Carolina behind bulletproof glass.
The FBI continues to investigate the incident as they work to understand Crooks’ motives and potential influences. Trump has thanked the FBI for their cooperation and assistance in the investigation.
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