A man who authorities say tried to assassinate former President Donald Trump had explosives in a car parked near a rally in Pennsylvania and had bomb-making materials at his home, reports said Sunday.
Police found a car driven by Thomas Matthew Crooks parked near a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing investigators.
Police responded to multiple reports of suspicious packages near the shooter’s location and dispatched an explosives disposal unit, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Investigators remained on the scene late into the night to ensure it was safe, searched Crooks’ home and spoke with family members, the officials added.
Who Was Thomas Matthew Crookes? What We Know About the Trump Assassin
Authorities reportedly found a car containing explosives belonging to the would-be Trump assassin near the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. (Fox News)
The FBI identified Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, early Sunday morning as “a suspect in connection to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13.”
The FBI said the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with information to submit photos or videos online at fbi.gov/butler or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
An undated file photo of Thomas Matthew Crooks. Crooks is the alleged gunman behind the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania. (Fox News Digital Law Enforcement Source)
The gunmen reportedly opened fire on Trump from a rooftop about 130 yards away during a rally in the small town, striking the former president above his right ear as he addressed rallygoers. The incident came ahead of the Republican National Convention, which is scheduled to begin on Monday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
FBI officials said investigators have not yet determined a motive.
A Secret Service agent shot and killed Crooks after the gunman attacked from an elevated position outside the Butler Agricultural Show rally, the agency said.
Secret Service agents surround former Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump onstage after he was injured during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
Authorities said one participant was killed and two spectators were seriously injured, all of whom have been identified as men but whose names have not yet been released.
Law enforcement officials told The Associated Press that bomb-making materials were found in Crooks’ car and also at his home, two of the officials were not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.
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Investigators believe the gun Crooks used was purchased by his father at least six months ago, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press. Federal agents are still working to understand how and when the son acquired the gun and to gather additional information about Crooks.
Fox News’ Scott MacDonald and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
