Assassination Attempt on Trump: Identities of Victims and Shooter Revealed

The FBI announced early Sunday the identification of the individual who shot former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally on Saturday. The shooter was Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Crooks was killed at the scene by law enforcement.

Trump was declared safe soon after the incident in Butler, Pennsylvania. However, the shooting resulted in the death of Corey Comperatore, 50, a former fire chief from Buffalo Township. Two other individuals were injured. Comperatore had attended the rally with his family.

Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek of the FBI Pittsburgh field office provided a briefing late Saturday. “Tonight, we had what we’re calling an assassination attempt on our former president, Donald Trump,” Rojek stated. “We do not currently have an identified motive.” The investigation continues with cooperation from federal, state, and local agencies.

Governor Josh Shapiro announced that flags would be flown at half-staff in Commonwealth facilities to honor the victims. During a press conference, Shapiro reflected on Comperatore’s dedication to his community and family. “Corey was a girl dad, a firefighter, and a committed community member. He died a hero, protecting his family at the rally,” Shapiro remarked.

The Pennsylvania State Police identified the other injured victims as David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington, and James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township. Both victims are in stable condition.

State voter records reveal that Crooks was a registered Republican. Additionally, campaign finance records show he made a $15 donation to the “Progressive Turnout Project” on January 20, 2021. He graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022.

The U.S. Secret Service disclosed that the shooter fired multiple shots from an elevated position outside the rally venue. Trump addressed the public via Truth Social on Sunday morning, expressing gratitude for the support and highlighting the importance of unity in facing such challenges.

The crime scene at Butler Farm Show Inc., north of Pittsburgh, is still active. Authorities affirm there is no ongoing threat. They encourage anyone with information or who attended the rally to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit fbi.gov/butler.

The shooting occurred shortly after Trump took the stage at about 6 p.m. Saturday. Witnesses reported hearing several loud pops before Trump was escorted off the stage, visibly injured but still acknowledging the crowd. Trump later confirmed on Truth Social that he was shot in the upper part of his right ear.

The manner in which the shooter approached the former president remains unclear. Rojek mentioned that it was “surprising” and suggested that the Secret Service needs to address the security lapse. He emphasized the Secret Service’s responsibility in initial site surveys and security assessments.

President Joe Biden condemned the shooting in a brief statement on Saturday night, asserting that “There’s no place in America for this kind of violence.” Meanwhile, Congressional Republicans have launched an investigation into the incident. U.S. Representative James Comer (R-Kentucky), chairman of the House Oversight Committee, has requested Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to testify at a committee hearing on July 22.

The Trump campaign announced that the former president, who has since left the hospital and is currently at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, plans to attend the Republican National Committee in Milwaukee this week. Trump is expected to receive the GOP’s formal nomination as its 2024 presidential candidate on Thursday.