A video surfaced showing Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old accused of attempting to assassinate former US President Donald Trump, declaring his hatred for Republicans and Trump before the attack.
In the video, Crooks stated, “My name is Thomas Matthew Crooks. I hate Republicans and I hate Trump.”
Crooks, who appears to have suffered a head wound during the incident, carried out the attack at a Trump campaign rally.
The FBI confirmed at a late-night press conference on Saturday that the shooting targeting Trump was an assassination attempt. Kevin Rojek from the FBI addressed reporters in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump was holding the rally when the shots rang out, saying, “This evening, we witnessed what we consider an assassination attempt on our former president, Donald Trump.”
Trump sustained an injury to his ear. The motive behind the attack, which resulted in one death and two injuries, remains unclear. The FBI identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, age 20.
During the evacuation after the shooting, Trump, covered in blood on his right ear, raised his fist to the crowd while being escorted off the stage by security. He was taken to a medical center and later declared “safe” despite the shocking incident that could impact the upcoming presidential elections.
President Joe Biden condemned the shooting and expressed relief that Trump was “safe and well.” Trump is expected to return to the White House later that day.
