Before the Trump Rally Shooting
On July 13, 2024, former President Donald Trump arrived in Butler, Pennsylvania, to address a campaign rally at a local venue. The event drew a sizable crowd of supporters and onlookers, typical of high-profile political gatherings.
Approximately 20 minutes into Trump’s speech, chaos erupted as gunshots rang out. Thomas Matthew Crooks, armed with an AR-style rifle, opened fire from a rooftop about 400 feet away from the stage. Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief, tragically lost his life while shielding his family. Two others, David Dutch and James Copenhaver, were critically injured.
The Secret Service responded swiftly, neutralizing Crooks with precision gunfire. Former President Trump sustained a minor injury when a bullet grazed his right ear. He was briefly hospitalized and later released. President Biden and former President Barack Obama condemned the violence in a national address and called for unity.
Video of the audience spotting the shooter.
Investigation and Response
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Secret Service, and local authorities, continue investigating the incident. Suspicious devices were found near the shooter’s location, prompting bomb technicians to secure the area. Security measures have been heightened in response to the Trump rally shooting, with political figures across the spectrum condemning the attack.
What We Know about the Shooter
Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was identified as the shooter. He had no known extremist affiliations or prior criminal record but was an active voting member of the Republican party. The rifle used in the attack was legally purchased by Crooks’ father. The FBI is investigating the motive behind the shooting, treating it as an attempted assassination.
Even though the investigation is still ongoing, there are many unanswered questions. How was Crooks able to bring such a weapon into a heavily-secured rally and what were his motives? What could have been done to avoid the shooting? Should there be more screenings and security checks at events like these? As the investigation continues, we hope to be able to get some answers.