Donald Trump Assassination Attempt

Photos Courtesy of CNN News and USA Today

On July 13, 2024, during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, former President Trump was targeted in an assassination attempt by twenty-year-old gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks.  The rally took place at the Butler Farm Show where Trump was scheduled to speak at 5 p.m.

During the shooting at the rally, Trump’s right ear was injured, but he was not seriously harmed.  However, one rally attendee was killed, and two others were critically injured.  Secret Service agents swiftly neutralized Crooks after the incident.

• Incident Timeline:
  • 6:11 p.m.: While Trump was speaking, multiple shots were fired toward the stage.
  • Videos show Trump grabbing his right ear, looking at his bloody hand, and dropping behind the podium.
  • Secret Service agents immediately jumped on top of Trump and escorted him off stage.
  • Trump gave a thumbs-up as he left.
  • 6:14 p.m.: Trump’s motorcade left the fairgrounds surrounded by law enforcement vehicles.
  • 7:24 p.m.: The suspected shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, was confirmed dead.
  • One rally attendee was killed, and two others were seriously injured.
  • 8:42 p.m.: Trump confirmed on Truth Social that he was shot, with a bullet piercing the upper part of his right ear¹.

The motive behind the attack remains unknown. Crooks acted alone, firing from a building rooftop about 150 yards away from the rally’s security perimeter. Agents recovered an AR-style rifle from the scene.

Thomas Matthew Crooks is from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, and was identified by the FBI as the shooter. His father has admitted that he purchased the gun for his son. Crooks worked as a dietary aide at Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, located near his home and had passed a background check for his job.    His motive for the attack remains unknown, as the investigation is ongoing.  The rifle used in the attack and Crooks’ cell phone are being sent to the FBI lab for processing.

Crooks is registered as a Republican in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.