Published 14:28 IST, July 14th 2024

Thomas Matthew Crooks Not Alone? Suspicion On Second Shooter At Trump Rally

Was there a second shooter who attacked Donald Trump at his rally in Pennsylvania or was it just Thomas Matthew Creeks? Here's what FBI has to say about it...

Reported by: Digital Desk
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Second Shooter Involved in Trump Assassination Bid? | Image: AP
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Pennsylvania: Donald Trump, former US President was shot at, during his rally in Pennsylvania, in what appears to be an assassination attempt.

The shooter has been identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks who is 20-years-old; however, there is suspicion that there may be a second shooter's involvement in the matter.

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A Second Shooter Involved In Trump Assassination Bid?

While one shooter has been identified, reports are now emerging that there may be a second shooter involved in the matter.

The Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bevins responded to this suspicion in the FBI press briefing.

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He said, “We have one shooter tentatively identified, but our investigation continues. We're following numerous leads, and it will take some time before we can conclusively determine if there was only one gunman.”

Motive Behind Attempt To Kill Donald Trump?

During the press briefing, the investigative agency said that the motive behind this assassination attempt is unclear, it remains unknown and an investigation is still underway.

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"We do not currently have an identified motive, although our investigators are working tirelessly to attempt to identify what that motive was," said FBI Special Agent Kevin Rojek. 

FBI Reaches Out To Public For Help

The FBI has also reached out to the public for assistance. "We need the public's help, anyone who was on the scene, who saw anything... please report that to the FBI," Special Agent Rojek urged.

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As the lead federal law enforcement agency in the investigation, the FBI has declared the campaign venue in Butler as an "active crime scene." They are collaborating closely with other federal agencies, state partners, and local police.

Who Is Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20-Year-Old Shooter?

Crooks, a 20-year-old, was a resident of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, located about 40 miles south of the Butler rally. He used an AR-style rifle which has been recovered by law enforcement officials from the shooting site.

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He positioned himself approximately 130 yards away from the stage where former President Trump was speaking and fired gunshots from the roof.

Donald Trump, who is doing ‘fine’, has landed in New Jersey and will be spending the night at his private golf club there. 

14:28 IST, July 14th 2024