The assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump is being investigated by the FBI as a “potential domestic terrorism” case.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation announced the development in a statement on Sunday, stressing that while the 20-year-old shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, appears to have acted alone, they are investigating “whether co-conspirators were involved” in Saturday’s attack at the Butler Farm Show grounds.
“The FBI is investigating the shooting that occurred at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13 as an assassination attempt and potential domestic terrorism,” the FBI said in a statement. The incident left one victim dead and injured former President Trump and other spectators.
Investigators are also trying to determine a motive for the shooting that shocked the world.
“We are collecting and reviewing evidence, conducting interviews, and following up on all leads to understand the circumstances of the shooting and the suspect’s actions prior to the shooting. We have also obtained the suspect’s cell phone for our investigation,” the FBI statement continued.
Crooks was shot and killed by Secret Service agents after opening fire at the rally while stationed on the roof of a factory about 130 yards from the stage where Trump was speaking.
Former volunteer fire chief Corey Comperatore, 50, was killed in the shooting and President Trump was shot in the ear.
Two other rally participants were also seriously injured.
Crooks is described as a loner who was “relentlessly” bullied by his high school classmates.
Investigators later found explosives in Crooks’ car, which was parked not far from the venue where the rally took place.
