BUTLER, PA – Thomas Crooks, the 20-year-old man who shot President Trump on July 13, died from a single gunshot wound to the head, according to the Butler County Coroner’s report. The manner of death was identified as homicide.
He was officially declared dead at 6:25 PM on the same day, stated Coroner William F. Young, III.
The assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump occurred during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was identified as the assailant.
Armed with an AR–15–style rifle, Crooks fired multiple rounds, injuring Trump and killing one audience member while critically injuring two others.
The incident ended when Crooks was fatally shot by the U.S. Secret Service’s Counter Sniper Team.
This event has led to an intensive FBI investigation into the motives and background of Crooks, with inquiries examining his actions leading up to the shooting and his political affiliations.
As of now, the FBI has not concluded if the assassination attempt was politically motivated, despite Crooks’s previous political contributions and voter registration as a Republican. His family had reported him missing hours before the incident, expressing concerns for his well-being.
The FBI’s ongoing investigation also involves analyzing Crooks’ electronic devices, examining his residence and vehicle, and conducting interviews with numerous witnesses. Suspicious devices found in Crooks’ possession have been secured and are under analysis to ascertain their purpose and origin.
The assassination attempt has sparked widespread media coverage and public debate, particularly concerning security measures at political events. The incident highlighted security lapses, leading to criticism of the Secret Service and the resignation of its director, Kimberly Cheatle.
This event has also intensified the political discourse around the safety of political figures, prompting calls for more stringent security at major political events.
