After days of interviews and investigations, the motive of Thomas Matthew Crooks to attempt an assassination on Donald Trump remains unknown. But here is what has been discovered since the incident:
On the day of the shooting, according to ABC News, “Crooks told his father he wanted to go to a shooting range and asked if he could borrow his dad’s AR15-style rifle, said a source familiar with the matter.” His father had zero suspicions of what his son was about to do, since he would occasionally let him go target shooting.
“As a responsible member of our community it is our prerogative to cooperate with law enforcement in every way. We are thankful that President Trump was not assassinated and our hearts and prayers go out to all victims of this horrible incident.” Allegheny Arms stated to ABC News.
Nearly 100 interviews with witnesses, attendees, and law enforcement have been conducted to get to the bottom of why Crooks did what he did, but there is still confusion. Biden spoke out on the subject as well, expressing he amongst others were unsure on if Crooks had any help with his plot to assassinate Trump.
Investigators are also retracing Crooks’ steps, unclear on how he made it to the roof after the area was swept. Told to ABC News by the Butler County Sheriff, people in the crowd saw the shooter and pointed him out to Secret Service before the shooting took place. A police officer attempted to get Crooks off the roof, until he turned his weapon onto the officer, making him retreat.
10 minutes into Trump’s speech, Crooks opened fire. After numerous rounds, he was shot and killed by secret service. Trump was left with a flesh wound from the bullet with no need for stiches.
As this is an ongoing investigation, there are still questions that remain unanswered. Investigators are hoping to uncover the suspect’s motive very soon.
