Anamika Dey, editor

Thomas Matthew Crooks identified as Trump shooter by FBI: Live updates

It’s Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. The person who shot former President Trump at a political gathering in Pennsylvania has been named as Thomas Matthew Crooks.

“The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the subject involved in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13, in Butler, Pennsylvania,” a statement from the Bureau said. “This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is encouraged to submit photos or videos online at FBI.gov/butler or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.”

Just seconds after he started fire, Crooks was killed by the law enforcement officers.

Trump rally attacked he got injured, one attendee killed

Video showed Trump shrinking to the right, grabbing his ear, and falling after the gunfire. He was then hurried to his car by Secret Service officers. Right half of Trump’s skull showed blood.

According to the Butler County district attorney, one rally attendee died and another is seriously injured. NBC News reports the shooter dead.

A rally doctor told NBC News that he saw one fatality from the stands. He observed the man slide down the stands after being shot from behind, apparently dead. He assisted rally officials in removing the guy.

Former president Trump rose up and punched the air for many seconds as Secret Service personnel rushed him off stage.

Three top U.S. law enforcement sources informed NBC News that the rally stage shot occurred beyond the Secret Service’s protection perimeter.

Later, the Secret Service claimed Trump was safe, and his campaign stated he was in a “local medical facility.”

“The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe,” spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi tweeted. This is an active Secret Service inquiry; further information will be published when available.

Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung stated, “President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is healthy and being examined locally. Additional information will follow.”

NBC News acquired a memo to staff saying the Trump campaign went into “a complete communications lockdown” Saturday night.

“Everything is OK,” tweeted Trump campaign and RNC political director James Blair. “Anyone who speaks with the press, even off the record, will be found and fired immediately.”

Avoid commenting, speculating, and social media posting. Full lockdown,” Blair said. Personal safety is paramount. Please be careful now.”

Saturday night, President Joe Biden addressed the matter on camera after being informed.
“I hope I get to speak to him tonight and I’ll get back to you if I do,” Biden remarked.

Biden declined to comment on whether the incident was an assassination attempt without more information.

World leaders expressess their concern

China apprehensive about Trump following the shooting

After the attempted murder of former U.S. President Donald Trump at his Pennsylvania rally, China’s foreign ministry released a statement saying, “China is concerned about the shooting of former President Trump, and President Xi Jinping has sent his regards to former President Trump.” The statement was a translation of the Mandarin remarks.

After former U.S. President Donald Trump was shot at a gathering in Pennsylvania, leaders from all over the world shared their thoughts on the social media site X. They were shocked by the shooting and hoped Trump would get better quickly.

The leader of the UK, Keir Starmer, said he was “appalled by the shocking scenes” at the gathering.

“Any kind of political violence has no place in our societies,” he said. “My thoughts are with all the people who were hurt in this attack.”

Macron, the president of France, called it “a tragedy for our democracies” and said Trump was the “victim of an assassination attempt.”

He said, “France shares the shock and anger of the American people.”

The shooting made Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, very sick. He said, “It can’t be said enough: political violence is never okay.”

When he was in charge of Japan, Fumio Kishida said, “The world must stand firm against any form of violence that challenges democracy.”

Leaders from Australia, Germany, India, Italy, and other places also spoke out against the killing on X.

Trump gives permission for a GoFundMe page to help shooting victims

Former President Donald Trump authorised a GoFundMe campaign for Pennsylvania rally shooting victims.

A campaign source told NBC News that Trump’s 2024 national finance director Meredith O’Rourke is organising the fundraising drive.

Trump has authorised this account for donations to supporters and families wounded or killed in today’s cruel and awful assassination attempt. These great Americans will get all donations throughout their grief and recovery. “May God bless and unite our nation,” reads the GoFundMe description.

Source : CNBC News and USA Today