What we know about Bethel Park man suspected of attempted assassination at Trump rally in Butler

PITTSBURGH — The FBI has identified the suspected gunman at former President Donald Trump’s rally on Saturday as a Bethel Park man.

The agency identified him as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, and said they’re considering the shooting that injured Trump and two spectators and killed another spectator as an assassination attempt.

>>> Trump injured in assassination attempt at rally in Butler; 1 attendee, suspected shooter killed

Following the identification of Crooks as the suspected gunman, police shut down a Bethel Park roadway near where he lived. Police are still present in the area Sunday morning, using Bethel Park High School as a staging area. It’s unclear what the police presence is for at this time.

PHOTOS: Former President Donald Trump rushed off stage after shots fired at rally

The FBI hasn’t released any other information about Crooks, but Channel 11 started digging into his background.

We’ve learned Crooks has no previous criminal history, according to online court records.

STATEMENTS: Local, national officials condemn violence following shooting at Trump rally

Voter records in Allegheny County show Crooks is a registered Republican voter. However, according to federal campaign finance records, Crooks appears to have donated $15 to the Progressive Turnout Project through the Democratic donation platform ActBlue.

The Municipality of Bethel Park issued a statement about Crooks on Sunday saying:

“The Municipality of Bethel Park would like to wish former President Donald J. Trump best wishes for a quick and full recovery as well as those harmed at the former President’s rally in Butler, PA yesterday. We’d also like to offer sincere condolences to the family, friends and fellow first responders of Corey Comperatore, retired Butler County, Buffalo Township Fire Chief, who was killed at the event. We can confirm that Thomas Matthew Crooks was a resident of Bethel Park and a 2022 graduate of Bethel Park High School.”

A spokesperson from Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center also confirmed to Channel 11 that Crook was an employee of theirs.

“We are shocked and saddened to learn of his involvement as Thomas Matthew Crooks performed his job without concern and his background check was clean. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement officials at this time. Due to the ongoing investigation, we cannot comment further on any specifics. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Former President Trump and the victims impacted by this terrible tragedy. We condemn all acts of violence,” an administrator from the center said.

According to NBC News, Crooks was a member of the Clairton Sportsmen’s Club. The club has various shooting range, including a 200-yard rifle range as well as pistol ranges and indoor outdoor archery ranges.

In a statement shared with NBC, the club said it “fully admonishes the senseless act of violence that occurred” Saturday and offered “its sincerest condolences to the Comperatore family and extends prayers to all of those injured including the former President.”

The FBI has not yet identified a motive for the shooting. Anyone with information about Crooks is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or leave a tip at FBI.gov/butler.

This is a developing story that will be updated as Channel 11 learns more.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

©2024 Cox Media Group