BREAKING UPDATE: Gunman in PA assassination attempt on President Trump ID'd as Thomas Matthew Crooks

He was "planted on a roof of a manufacturing plant more than 130 yards away from the stage at Butler Farm Show grounds."

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He was "planted on a roof of a manufacturing plant more than 130 yards away from the stage at Butler Farm Show grounds."

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The gunman believed to be behind the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump was identified in a New York Post report as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old Pennsylvania resident. He was neutralized by the Secret Service after shots rang out at the rally where President Donald Trump was speaking and was found in a sniper position on a nearby rooftop.

According to the New York Post, the alleged gunman, was from Bethel Park, PA. Sources told the Post that Crooks was "planted on a roof of a manufacturing plant more than 130 yards away from the stage at Butler Farm Show grounds." A AR style rifle was recovered from the scene. A motive is not yet known.

Later Sunday morning, the FBI confirmed the report: "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. This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is encouraged to submit photos or videos online at FBI.gov/butler or call 1-800-CALL-FBI."



"He came within inches of having his face shot open,” a senior law enforcement officer told the outlet. One witness told reporters that he had seen the gunman "bear-crawling" on the roof.  



Trump ducked to avoid gunfire after touching his ear, realizing he'd been hit, and understanding that he was under attack. Blood streamed down his faceas Secret Service guiding him off stage. Making his way off stage, he stopped the agents who were urging him to duck down, saying "wait, wait, wait." Then he raised his fist and said "Fight! Fight! Fight!" The crowd got to their feet and cheered for Trump. 



Trump was speaking to a large rally crowd in Butler, PA, when shots rang out. He was quickly surrounded by Secret Service agents. 



The Secret Service neutralized the gunman on a nearby rooftop, shooting him dead. In the hours after the shooting, many called on the head of the Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, to resign.

Elon Musk, who endorsed Trump right after the event happened, said, "The head of the Secret Service and the leader of this security detail should resign," in response to the witness account. Steve Bannon released a statement from the Danbury prison where he's serving a four month term on what many say are politically motivated charges. "I've warned about this very thing for over a year–an assassination attempt–the threat is real, very real," Bannon said. "Thankfully, President Trump wears the Armor of God. Today, our leader showed total command presence, stood tall, and said 'FIGHT'!"

After the shooting, the campaign released a statement, saying "As was communicated earlier this evening, President Trump is doing well and grateful to law enforcement and first responders for their fast action."
 
"President Trump looks forward to joining you all in Milwaukee," the statement continued, "as we proceed with our convention to nominate him to serve as the 47th President of the United States. As our party's nominee, President Trump will continue to share his vision to Make America Great Again." It was signed by campaign senior advisors Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita as well as RNC co-chairs Michael Whatley and Lara Trump.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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