Latest Updates:
Suspect Identified
- The F.B.I. has identified the suspected gunman as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.
- Crooks, registered as a Republican and a small donor to a Democratic group in 2021, was killed at the scene by Secret Service agents.
Incident Overview
- The shooting occurred on Saturday at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
- At least one spectator was killed, and two others were critically injured.
- The motive for the shooting remains unclear, and federal authorities are seeking public assistance in the investigation.
Trump’s Condition
- Former President Donald J. Trump was escorted off the stage with a bleeding ear.
- He was taken to a hospital and later reported on social media that a bullet had pierced the upper part of his right ear.
- Trump flew back to Newark, New Jersey, early Sunday morning and is reportedly “fine” by his spokesperson.
Reactions and Statements
- President Biden condemned the violence as “sick” and expressed gratitude for Trump’s swift evacuation.
- Both Republican and Democratic leaders condemned the act of political violence.
- The Biden campaign announced a pause on all outbound communications and is working to pull down television ads.
- The Republican National Convention will proceed as planned in Milwaukee starting Monday.
Eyewitness Accounts
- Two videos verified by The New York Times show the suspected shooter lying motionless on a small building’s roof approximately 400 feet north of the stage.
- Trump had been speaking about border crossing statistics when the shooting occurred.
- The suspected shooter fired “multiple shots toward the stage” from an elevated position outside the rally venue.
Investigation Details
- Authorities recovered an AR-15-type semiautomatic rifle from the deceased gunman.
- The Secret Service stated that rally attendees undergo security screenings, including searches for weapons.
- Authorities are investigating whether there are any further threats, although they currently believe it was a lone-wolf attack.
Casualties
- The names of the victims have not been publicly released, but authorities confirmed all three were adult men.
Contributors
This report is based on the most recent information from various sources, including eyewitness testimonies and official statements from law enforcement agencies (CNN, Park, NBC, City News). Contributions to this story were made by Nicholas Nehamas, Glenn Thrush, Campbell Robertson, Peter Baker, and Katie Rogers. Stay tuned for further updates as the story unfolds.
