Bomb-Making Materials Found in Trump Assassination Attempt
Explosive materials were discovered in the car and home of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old suspect behind the failed assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The FBI named Crooks, from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, early Sunday as the investigation into the shooting at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, continues.
Explosives Could Have Led to More Violence
Anonymous officials confirmed the presence of bomb-making materials, suggesting Crooks had plans for further violence. The suspect set fire to a rooftop near the rally venue before Secret Service agents shot him dead. His motive remains unknown. Public records show Crooks had no previous criminal history.
Incident Snapshot
- Location: Butler, Pennsylvania
- Date: July 13, 2024
- Suspect: Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20
- Victims: Corey Comperatore, retired fire chief, killed; two bystanders critically injured
- Trump: Shot near right ear, recovering well and in good spirits
Trump Speaks Out: “God Alone Prevented Tragedy”
The former President took to social media to describe the moment he was shot. “I knew immediately something was wrong when I heard a whizzing sound and felt the bullet rip through my skin,” Trump wrote. He credited “God alone” for stopping a worse outcome and urged Americans to stay united and resilient against such attacks.
Investigation Ongoing
- The FBI is probing Crooks’ motive and searching for potential accomplices.
- Relatives have yet to comment, though Crooks’ father expressed confusion and concern.
Political Leaders Call for Unity
- The shooting has sparked calls for solidarity across all political lines.
- Trump stressed the importance of standing strong and not letting “evil win.”
Law enforcement, including the FBI and Secret Service, work around the clock to uncover more about Crooks and any further threats. The discovery of explosives underscores how close this attack came to becoming far deadlier.
