Trump assassination attempt: FBI identifies attacker as Thomas Matthew Crooks

Former president assures supporters that “we will not be afraid” after Pennsylvania attack.

Former US President and Republican candidate, Donald Trumpposted a message to his followers on the social network Truth Social, after suffering an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. In his message, Trump expressed his gratitude and firmness:

“Thank you all for the thoughts and prayers yesterday. As if it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening. We will not be afraid, but will remain strong in our faith and defiant in the face of evil.”

Trump also offered his condolences to the family of the victim who died in the attack and expressed his wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured. “At this time, it is more important than ever that we stand together and show our true character as Americans by staying strong and determined and not allowing evil to win,” he added.

Trump’s Reactions and Health Status

Journalist Celia Mendoza of the Voice of America (VOA) reported that the former president is in good health. “Last night he was seen on video getting off his plane arriving in Newark, New Jersey. Apparently he went to his residence in Burmester, where he spent the night,” Mendoza said.

In addition, the journalist indicated that the president Joe Biden He contacted Trump and cancelled his weekend activities to go to the US capital. “The president (Biden) spoke with the former president yesterday afternoon, as confirmed by the White House, and Joe Biden cancelled his weekend at the beach residence in Delaware, where he was, and immediately traveled to Washington,” Mendoza explained.

Attacker Identification

In a statement released early Sunday morning, the FBI identified the shooter of Trump as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old Pennsylvania resident. “The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the individual involved in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania,” the FBI said.

The FBI is asking anyone with relevant information to assist in the investigation to submit photos or videos online at FBI.gov/butler or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Ongoing Research

Celia Mendoza said authorities have discovered that Crooks was “registered as a Republican, but apparently made a small donation to a Democratic party,” and that the motives for the attack are still unclear. This fact has led the Republican leader of the House of Representatives to announce an investigation, calling the head of the Secret Service and the head of the Department of Homeland Security to answer questions about the security failures.

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The Secret Service, which is responsible for Trump’s security, set up a perimeter around the rally, but there appear to have been lapses in the implementation of the security rings. Mendoza said that “the threat was quickly neutralized by members of the sniper team who were on the side of the area where Donald Trump was,” and noted that the rally area was rural, without many tall buildings, which facilitated quick action.

Despite the incident, both Trump and Biden have thanked the Secret Service for its swift action. Since the assassination of former President Ronald Reagan in 1981, there has not been an assassination attempt of this magnitude in the United States.