Father of Trump’s would-be assassin trying to figure out ‘what the hell is going on’: report

The father of 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, identified as the gunman behind the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally on Sunday, said that he was trying to figure out “what the hell is going on” regarding the news about his son. Matthew Crooks told CNN on Saturday night that he would not provide details about his son until he waited to talk to law enforcement.

Thomas Matthew Crooks was shot and killed by a counter-sniper team after setting himself up on a rooftop about 130 yards from the stage at Trump’s Pennsylvania rally. During the rally, he fired shots that grazed Trump's right ear, killed a male spectator, and critically injured two other attendees.

According to reports from the Associated Press, Crooks was a registered Republican but had donated money in 2021 to a Democratic political action committee. He lived in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, about 45 miles from the farm grounds where the rally took place. Law enforcement officials who spoke to the AP also said they believe the weapon used by Crooks was bought by his father at least six months ago.

The FBI confirmed the shooter’s identity in a statement, saying, "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."

Kevin Rojek, FBI Pittsburgh special agent in charge of the investigation, added in a briefing on Saturday night that the bureau does not currently have an identified motive for the shooter.