Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, Identified As Trump Rally Shooter

Donald Trump was shot in the ear during an election rally

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks as the suspected shooter behind the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump, it said in a statement today.

Crooks, 20, was killed by security officials when he allegedly opened fire at the 78-year-old Republican presidential candidate, injuring his ear, during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. 

He was registered as a Republican, according to the state’s voter records.

“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,” the FBI said in a statement quoted by NBC and CBS.

Law enforcement officials earlier told reporters they had tentatively identified the suspected shooter but were not ready to do so publicly. They also said they had not yet identified the motive. The FBI, which is the lead federal law enforcement agency in the investigation, had said the shooting was being treated as “an assassination attempt” against the former president.

Trump was hit in the ear in the shocking shooting, which left a bystander dead and two others critically injured. He was quickly rushed off stage by the US Secret Service agents, with blood seen on his face.

The gunshots were heard when Trump had just started speaking at his final rally before the Republican National Convention.

Thousands of his supporters were in attendance when the shooting, which was captured live on news channels, happened.

Donald Trump Says Bullet Pierced Part Of Right Ear

Donald Trump, in his first account of being attacked during a rally, said, “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.”

“I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin,” Trump said on his Truth Social site.

“Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening,” he added.

He also thanked the Secret Service and law enforcement for their “rapid response”.

“It is incredible that such an act can take place in our country,” he said.

The shocking incident occurred less than four months before the November 5 US presidential election, when Trump is set to face an election rematch with Democratic President Joe Biden.