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    Thomas Matthew Crooks: Everything we know about alleged shooter at Trump rally

    By Ramsey Touchberry,

    1 day ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2S7fkU_0uQzw4c100

    This is the latest information on the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump carried out on Saturday.

    The shooter

    The FBI has named 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the man who carried out the shooting at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

    One spectator was killed at the rally, and two others were critically injured, according to the Secret Service.

    A Secret Service sniper shot and killed Crooks within seconds of him firing several rounds, which occurred around 6:15 p.m. local time.

    "US Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased,” Secret Service chief of communications Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement. “US Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and the former president is safe and being evaluated.”

    Crooks was a registered Republican but had previously donated $15 to a left-leaning political action committee, per federal records. His political leanings were not immediately clear.

    Authorities believe the gun used in the attack was bought by Crooks's father about six months ago, though investigators are still trying to learn how and when Crooks obtained the weapon himself, according to the Associated Press.

    The investigation remains active.

    Security

    Law enforcement confirmed Crooks was stationed on the rooftop of a building outside the security perimeter. Videos circulating on social media appear to show him from his firing position, wearing gray camouflage and lying motionless. TMZ also obtained footage .

    The roof from which Crooks fired was less than 200 yards from where Trump spoke, and an AR-15-style rifle was recovered from the scene, according to reports. Police have not confirmed the exact style of weapon used in the attack.

    Kevin Rojek, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office, told reporters it was “surprising” Crooks could get such a close vantage point and open fire before alerting the attention of Secret Service.

    Congress vows to investigate

    The FBI is handling the ongoing investigation, but Congress has also pledged to dig into the incident.

    House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and “other appropriate officials from (the Department of Homeland Security) and the FBI” will be hauled before their relevant committees “ASAP.”

    House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-KY) has already requested a briefing from the Secret Service.

    Secret Service, overseen by the Department of Homeland Security, was “taking every possible measure to ensure their safety and security” with the Trump and Biden campaigns, according to DHS Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas.

    CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

    Trump will have heightened security, evidence of which was on full display when he deplaned Saturday night at Newark Liberty International Airport after the shooting flanked by Secret Service and its counter-assault team, an unusually high level of protection.

    Trump confirmed he still plans to speak in Wisconsin this week at the Republican National Convention .

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