FBI names Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, as suspected Trump shooter

Pennsylvania native was a registered Republican, agency says

A screen grab from a video of the assassination attempt on former US president Donald Trump. – Screen grab, July 14, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR – Twenty-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks has been identified by the FBI as the shooter in the assassination attempt on former US president Donald Trump during his election campaign in Pennsylvania.

In a statement, the agency said Crooks hailed from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania and was registered as a Republican.

The airspace over Bethel Park is also closed immediately for security reasons.

Meanwhile, the Secret Service said the shooter “fired multiple shots towards the stage from an elevated position outside the rally” before being “neutralised” by agents.

The agency also said it had implemented protective measures and the former president was safe.

Trump, who was dressed in a white shirt, dark blazer and bright red Maga cap, was railing against illegal immigration when shots rang out at 6.08pm (6.08am today Malaysian time).

He said he was hit in his right ear but was feeling fine.

The gunman and a bystander have been killed at the rally, while two participants are critically injured. – July 14, 2024