THE shooter who tried to assassinate Donald Trump had explosive devices in his car, investigating officials have found.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was “neutralized” by Secret Service snipers shortly after opening fire at the former president during a campaign event on Saturday.
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The car driven by the shooter was found parked near Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Cops said they received many reports of suspicious packages around the parked car.
There were also bomb-making materials found at his home during an investigation.
Shooter Crooks, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, is said to have positioned himself on the roof of a manufacturing plant roughly 200 feet outside the cordoned-off rally zone.
more on the horror shooting
He was later shot dead by snipers who returned the gunfire from the roof of another building nearby.
The FBI said Crooks did not have any ID on him at the time, with officials identifying him through his DNA.
Pictures showed armed cops standing over his body on the roof, with an AR-15 reportedly recovered nearby.
Matthew Crooks, the shooter’s father, told CNN last night he was trying to figure out “what the hell is going on”.
He added he would wait until he “speaks to law enforcement” before commenting about his son.
Investigators reportedly believe that the weapon recovered appeared to have been purchased recently.
Law enforcement officials told The Associated Press that investigators believe the gun was purchased by Crooks’s father at least six months ago.
Shocking video captured the moment he fired some five gunshots at the former president, wounding him, killing someone in the audience, and seriously injuring two others.
The shocking clip shows Trump grabbing his ear in pain before jumping behind a podium to take cover as the gunman opened fire.
He was seen with blood covering his face as he was swarmed by the Secret Service and rushed off stage in Pennsylvania.
More shots rang out as members of the Secret Service swarmed Trump to shield him from any more bullets.
Trump was then lifted back to his feet and was seen with blood pouring down his face, but defiantly lifted a fist to show the crowd that he was OK.
One audience member was killed in the attack and two were critically injured.
The victims have not yet been identified.
What we know so far:
On his social media platform, the former president today wrote: “God alone” prevented “the unthinkable” from happening and called on Americans to ‘remain resilient’ and show ‘our true character’.
“We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness,” he added.
While the motive behind the shocking shooting has not yet been released, state and federal records provide some insight into his political beliefs.
The Pennsylvania native was registered as a Republican in the state and last voted during the midterms in November 2022.
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At just 20 years old, Crooks had not previously voted in a Presidential election, making this year the first he would have been able to cast a vote.
It has also been revealed that he made a $15 donation to Democratic action group ActBlue at age 17, Reuters reports.
The donation was made on January 20, 2021, the same day President Joe Biden was inaugurated.
Donald Trump Rally Shooting Timeline
DONALD Trump was shot at his Pennsylvania rally on July 13.
1pm: Doors open at the Butler Farm Show grounds where Trump was expected to speak at 5pm.
4:11pm: Sean Parnell gave the opening speech.
4:35pm: David McCormick rallied the crowd.
5:30pm: Crowds were still waiting for Trump.
6:03pm: Trump takes the stage.
6:11pm: Gunshots were fired as Trump delivered remarks.
6:12pm: Trump was ushered off stage by Secret Service agents.
6:42pm: Secret Service confirmed Trump is safe.
7:24pm: The shooter and one rally attendee are confirmed dead by law enforcement officials.
8:42pm: Trump confirms he was shot in the ear, sharing a statement on Truth Social.
8:49pm: The Secret Service confirms the shooter and a rally attendee are dead. Two others remain critically injured.
LEADERS CONDEMN SHOOTING
Republican leaders and other prominent political figures have been quick to condemn the actions taken against Trump today.
Vice President Kamala Harris said she was “relieved” Trump was not more seriously injured.
“Violence such as this has no place in our nation,” she continued.
Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro said he was briefed about the incident and said, “Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable.”
Israel’s President Netanyahu also spoke out about the situation, saying he is “shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump.”
“Praying for President Trump and everyone at the rally in Pennsylvania. May God watch over them all,” Senator Tim Scott posted on X.
“Karen and I are praying for President Trump and urge every American to join us,” former vice president Mike Pence wrote.
“Laura and I are grateful that President Trump is safe following the cowardly attack on his life,” former president George W. Bush said in a statement.
“And we commend the men and women of the Secret Service for their speedy response.”
Donald Trump Rally Shooting Reaction
DOZENS of politicians and celebrities have offered their support for the former president after he was reportedly grazed by gunfire at his Pennsylvania rally on July 13.
President Biden held a brief press conference just after 8 pm ET. He said he was hoping to speak to Trump.
“Look, there’s no place in America for this kind of violence. It’s sick,” the president continued. “We cannot condone this.”
Vice President Harris said she was “relieved” Trump was not seriously injured.
“Violence such as this has no place in our nation,” she continued.
Former President Obama said on X: “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy.
“Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.
Donald Trump, Jr shared a photo of his father raising a fist moments after he was shot with the caption: “He’ll never stop fighting to Save America.”
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr said: “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.”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said: “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery.”
Britain’s new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer took to X to say: “I am appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump’s rally and we send him and his family our best wishes.
“Political violence in any form has no place in our societies and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack.”
Reform leader and newly elected MP Nigel Farage said it is a “miracle” that his friend is still alive.
Farage told Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: “I was very upset when I heard the news late last night, Donald Trump survived by a miracle, frankly.
“But one innocent man is dead, two are fighting for their lives in hospital. It’s horrible, and yet somehow not surprising.”
Former PM Boris Johnson also gave his condolences to Trump and his family as he said it shows “the tragic fragility of democracy in the face of violence and unreason”.
Ukrainian PM Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been a target for assassins in the past, also said he was “appalled” by the events in the US.
“Such violence has no justification and no place anywhere in the world. Never should violence prevail,” he said on X.
“I extend my wishes for strength to everyone who is horrified by this event. I wish America emerges stronger from this.”
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