The weapon of Trump's assassination attempt was likely from the shooter's father
During a campaign event, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire on Donald Trump. Reports indicate that the weapon used in the attempted assassination of the former U.S. President was purchased by the shooter's father. Two law enforcement officials told the AP that the automatic rifle of type AR-15 was bought at least six months prior. It is still being investigated how Thomas Matthew Crooks obtained access to the weapon. In addition, further information about the 20-year-old was being collected during the investigation.
Crooks, who hails from the Pittsburgh area in Pennsylvania, fired shots at the event venue from an elevated position during a rally with Trump in the city of Butler on Saturday. Trump was injured by a bullet in the ear. One bystander was killed, and two others were seriously injured. Crooks was shot by the Secret Service.
According to the "Wall Street Journal," the shooter had explosives in his car. Persons familiar with the investigation reported that explosives were found in Crooks' car. The car was parked near the rally site, according to these persons. The police received several reports of suspicious packages near the scene where the shooter was located, and bomb technicians were dispatched. The investigators were still occupied with cleaning up the scene late into the night. They also searched Crooks' house and spoke with his family. According to investigators, explosive materials were also found in Crooks' home.
The motive of the 20-year-old remains a mystery. Crooks' political affiliation is unclear. While the voter registration list shows that he was registered as a Republican in his home state of Pennsylvania, federal records related to campaign financing indicate that he donated $15 to a progressive political action committee on January 20, 2021 - the day of Biden's inauguration. According to the Pentagon, Crooks had not served in the U.S. military.
Despite the uncertain motive behind the attempt, Crooks' actions have sparked intense political discussions in the USA. In light of this incident, there have been renewed calls for stricter gun control laws in the USA.
In response to the shooting, Donald Trump condemned the use of violence in politics, emphasizing the importance of peaceful discourse in democratic societies.
