Explosive devices have reportedly been discovered inside the car of the shooter who tried to assassinate Donald Trump at a campaign rally on Saturday — using a gun believed to have been purchased by the 20-year-old’s father just six months earlier.
In a harrowing day for America coming just four months before the nation heads to the polls, the former president survived a surreal attempt on his life when shots were fired towards the stage mere minutes into his rally speech in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Trump’s ear was grazed by a bullet but he escaped largely unscathed, while a 50-year-old rallygoer died and two other spectators were critically injured in the attack.
With the nation reeling and questions mounting about the actions taken by Secret Service at the event, new details are beginning to emerge about the gunman and his potential motive.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old Pennsylvania native, had parked his vehicle close to the rally in Butler on Saturday, before he climbed on top of the roof of a nearby building with a vantage point of the stage, according to authorities.
Just after 6 p.m., about 15 minutes after Trump began his speech, the gunman opened fire.
Shots rang out and screams filled the air as the former president ducked for cover behind the podium and Secret Service agents leaped on stage to protect him.
Secret Service agents shot the suspect dead moments later, and Trump was swiftly rushed off stage and driven off in his motorcade.
In a historic image that has already been plastered across unofficial merchandise, the former president was seen defiantly raising his fist in the air to supporters while blood streamed down his face.
Sources told The Washington Post that Crooks’ vehicle was later recovered by investigators and explosives were discovered inside.
The insiders also revealed that the AR-style rifle used by the 20-year-old in the attack had been legally bought by his father six months earlier, according to an urgent trace conducted by the ATF.
For now, the motive for the attack remains a mystery, though online records reveal that Crooks had been registered to vote as a Republican.
