FBI identifies Trump shooter as investigation continues

(The Center Square) – The FBI early Sunday identified the person who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pa.

"The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the subject involved in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13, in Butler, Pennsylvania," the FBI said in a statement, Fox News reported.

"This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is encouraged to submit photos or videos online at FBI.gov/butler or call 1-800-CALL-FBI."

Before the FBI announcement, Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said the attacker opened fire roughly 10 to 15 minutes after Trump took the stage at the Butler Farm Show Grounds in Pennsylvania, grazing his ear before Secret Service agents surrounded the former president and escorted him off the stage.

One victim died at the scene and two more are critically wounded, Bivens added.

"Law enforcement acted heroically," he said, noting that they worked "quickly" to "neutralize the threat."

Law enforcement said they are still investigating a motive.

Bivens also declined to specify what weapon the shooter used, though eyewitnesses have described seeing a man crawling across a roof holding a rifle.

The FBI also deflected questions from reporters about security measures taken by the U.S. Secret Service to secure the area before the rally began. Bivens said the shooter fired from a rooftop outside of that perimeter but declined to give more specifics.