Trump rally shooting suspect identified, motive unclear
Editor’s note: There have been updates to this story. Click here to get the latest.
(NewsNation) — Former President Donald Trump is said to be “fine” after being shot, apparently in the ear, at a Pennsylvania rally. The suspected shooter was killed by the Secret Service who said one rally attendee was killed and two were critically injured.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) on Sunday confirmed the identity of the deceased as Corey Comperatore, a former volunteer firefighter. Shapiro said Comperatore’s wife told him that Corey dove onto his family to protect them once shots were fired.
Early Sunday morning, the FBI confirmed the suspected shooter’s name is Thomas Matthew Crooks. Per state records, he’s a registered Republican, but The Associated Press reports he donated $15 to a progressive PAC the day President Joe Biden was sworn in.
After several loud noises, Trump paused his speech, put his right hand to his right ear and then ducked down on his own power as people around him yelled “get down, get down.” As people seated behind Trump ducked and screamed, TV microphones picked up the sound of rapid shots.
Trump, who appeared to be bleeding as he left the stage, was examined at a Butler, Pa. medical facility. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he felt a bullet hit his ear during the shooting.
In a press briefing late Saturday night, Kevin Rojek, special agent in charge of FBI Pittsburgh Field Office, said that law enforcement does not yet have a motive for the shooting.
Officials have identified all three civilian victims but are withholding names until extended family notification can be completed. All three were adult males.
Whether Crooks acted alone is not confirmed yet, with officials adding: “We are not taking for granted that this was a lone wolf attack.”
Trump communications director Steven Cheung also issued a short statement: “President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility.”
President Joe Biden came out in support of his political rival after the shooting, stating in a press conference that there was “no place in America for this kind of violence.”
Bipartisan calls against “political violence” came in the hours after the shooting, with multiple lawmakers sharing statements about the incident.
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose father and uncle were shot and killed in office, said Saturday’s shooting was the “product of so much vitriol and so much anger.”
WATCH VIDEO OF THE INCIDENT BELOW:
Follow live updates below: