Santa Clarita Leaders React To Trump Assassination Attempt

Details are still trickling in after the attempted assassination attempt of former president Donald Trump at a political rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.

During a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Saturday, candidate Trump was seen grabbing his ear and ducking to the ground as several shots were heard. He was then whisked away by federal agents.

“It’s encouraging to see most everyone reach across the political divide to condemn this horrible act, commend President Trump’s courage, and call on a de-escalation of the political rhetoric in our Nation,” said Congressman Mike Garcia, R-Santa Clarita. “But these words amount to little if they aren’t followed with a real change in behavior. President Trump expressed gratitude after the attack, saying we have ‘a chance to bring the country together. I was given that chance.’ We were all given this chance to unite as one Nation, and I hope all my fellow Americans join me in seizing it. America is not perfect, but We are the greatest force for good in human history – let’s prove it.”

The shooter has since been identified by authorities as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, a suburb about 43 miles away from the rally.

Crooks fired on the rally stage from a rooftop using a legally-owned “AR-style 5.56 rifle,” killing a member of the audience and wounding three more, including former president Trump who said a bullet “pierced the upper part of my right ear” before the shooter was killed by snipers.

“One of the greatest strengths of our nation is the ability to enact change through the democratic process, not through acts of political violence. What happened Saturday was an abhorrent act of political violence, and I stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in condemning it entirely. While I’m glad that the former President is safe, my heartfelt prayers are with the victims and their families,” said State Senator Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita.

“To keep our communities safe, it is vital that we unite against political violence, and all violence. In a democracy we decide political differences with our vote and our voice. Violence is never the answer and political violence cannot be encouraged or glorified by any candidate. Violent extremism in our nation must be stopped and be denounced – without exception,” said Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, D-Chatsworth. “I wish former President Trump and all those affected by Saturday’s shooting a swift and full recovery. My heart goes out to the family grieving the loss of a brave father, husband and son. It’s heartbreaking.”

Former volunteer fire chief Corey Comperatore, 50, died Saturday when he reportedly dove in front of his family in the bleachers behind Trump as shots began to ring out during the rally, according to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.

“The assassination attempt on Former President Trump was shocking, unbelievable–and unacceptable. My heart goes out to the family of the brave firefighter who was killed in the shooting and to the other two innocent bystanders who were hurt. Now’s the time to pause and reaffirm our collective commitment to the peaceful exercise of democracy. It’s the cornerstone of our country and an important bond that unites us all,” said L.A. County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger.

Former Santa Clarita Assemblywoman Suzette Valladares, currently running for Wilk’s seat in the Senate, said in a post on X, the site formerly known as Twitter , that the attempted assassination was “a tragic moment for our country and democracy.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the President and his family. Violence has no place in our political discourse, and we must come together to uphold peace, respect, and unity,” Valladares said.

As of Monday afternoon, authorities have not identified a motive for the attempted assassination. A review of Crooks’ past by law enforcement has not revealed a history of criminal activity or mental illness and no online activity has been uncovered as of Monday to indicate an ideological motive.

Candidate for Assembly District 40, former deputy sheriff Patrick Lee Gipson said on X , “This is a disgusting and cowardly act to begin with. It doesn’t matter if you like him or not, this is dead wrong! It’s a failed attempt to take out a political opponent. Secret Service you did an amazing job in protecting President Trump! In my 24 years as a law enforcement officer for the Los Angeles County, watching the video footage, I heard three initial shots, at least one shot hit President Trump and return fire from Secret Service were fired in response. You could also hear “shooter down!”

Crooks, a dietary aid at a nursing home, was a registered Republican, though campaign finance records show that someone with his name and street address gave $15 to the Progressive Turnout Project, a Democratic voter-turnout organization, in January 2021.

Kevin P. Rojek, Special Agent in charge of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office, said Crooks is believed to have acted alone and that there were no additional public safety concerns.

“The shooter may be deceased, but the investigation is very much ongoing. And, because of that, we are limited in what we say at this point,” said FBI director Christopher Wray during a Sunday press conference.

Authorities indicate that the incident was also being investigated as a potential attempted domestic terrorism attack as well as an attempted assassination, as several “suspicious devices” were found in Crooks’ vehicle, and had to be rendered safe by a bomb squad.

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.

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