Trump rally shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks reportedly purchased 50 rounds of ammunition just hours before the attack.
Crooks, 20, purchased ammunition from a local gun store, Allegheny Arms, before opening fire on former President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday evening. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.
FBI officials had not yet confirmed the report as of Tuesday morning but noted that a test of Crooks’ cell phone had been completed.
“A search of the suspect’s residence and vehicle has been completed, and the FBI has conducted nearly 100 interviews with law enforcement officers, event attendees, and other witnesses. This work is ongoing,” the FBI said in a statement.
Trump shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks’ parents were registered with professional counselors in Pennsylvania: records
The owner of the Allegheny Arms had pledged to fully support and cooperate with law enforcement as authorities investigate suspect Thomas Matthew Crooks for attempting to assassinate President Trump. (Michael Lewis/Fox News Digital)
Bruce Piendl, owner of Allegheny Arms, where Crooks bought ammunition before the attack, told Fox News Digital: “As responsible members of the community, it is our right to cooperate with law enforcement in any way we can. We are grateful that President Trump was not assassinated and our hearts go out to all of the victims of this horrific incident.”
“Due to the ongoing investigation and out of respect for the victim, we will not be making any further statements,” he added.
Crooks used his father’s gun in the shooting, which injured Trump and two other men and killed one rally attendee.
CNN reported that Crooks’ parents owned approximately 20 registered firearms.
According to NBC:Police searched the Crooks’ home and found at least 12 firearms.
Former President Donald Trump was hastily removed from a stage on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
The FBI also said a search of Crooks’ vehicle uncovered bomb-making materials that he had driven to the rally.
Investigators determined Crooks was in possession of a transmitter, but the purpose of the device was unclear.
The FBI said the suspect acted alone, but as of Tuesday a motive for the shooting had not been released.
The student, who will graduate from high school in 2022, is described as an isolated and lonely person who was subjected to relentless bullying.
FBI accesses Thomas Matthew Crooks’ phone in Trump assassination attempt
Former President Trump attended the first day of the Republican National Convention at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 15, 2024. (Reuters/Callahan O’Hare)
Though Crooks was a registered Republican, he donated to progressive groups in 2021, adding to the mystery surrounding his motives.
Crooks was shot dead by a sniper after opening fire at a rally at around 6pm on Saturday.
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President Trump was shot in the ear and rally attendee Corey Comperatore, 50, was killed. Two other people were shot but are in stable condition.
Relatives of Crooks have told various media outlets that there are still mysteries surrounding the shooting and have not speculated about a motive.
Fox News’ Michael Lewis contributed to this report.
