The shooter behind yesterday’s Donald Trump assassination attempt has been pictured for the first time.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was snapped wearing a grey t-shirt and glasses.
Crooks, who grew up in the affluent suburb of Bethel Park, also had particularly long brown hair.
The 20-year-old was “neutralised” by Secret Service agents after blood poured from Trump’s ear.
Secret Service agents took to the stage to protect the 45th President as shots rang out in Butler, Pennsylvania, at around 6.13pm.
The shooting resulted in one audience member being killed, with another two people sustaining injuries.
Police have parked up outside Crooks’ home near Pittsburgh as the investigation into yesterday’s horrific assassination attempt continues.
The airspace over Bethel Park was also closed for “special security reasons”, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed.
The motive behind Crooks’ attack is not yet known and the 20-year-old’s political history paints an unclear picture.
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Law enforcement officials said that Crooks had no identification on him and the 20-year-old was identified using other methods.
Kevin Rojek, FBI special agent said: “We’re looking at photographs right now and we’re trying to run his DNA and get biometric confirmation.”
Trump released a series of statements following the attempt on his life. In a new statement released earlier today,
The 45th President said: “Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening.
Donald Trump surrounded by security following assassination attemptGETTY IMAGES/TRUMP CAMPAIGN OFFICE/HANDOUT“We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness.
“Our love goes out to the other victims and their families. We pray for the recovery of those who were wounded, and hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was so horribly killed.
“In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win.
“I truly love our Country, and love you all, and look forward to speaking to our Great Nation this week from Wisconsin.”
In an earlier statement, Trump claimed a bullet pierced his ear, adding: “I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin.”
A fundraising page has been launched for the supporters and families of those wounded and killed in yesterday’s shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania.
Thomas Matthew Crooks was ‘neutralised’
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“President Donald Trump has authorised this account as a place for donations to the supporters and families wounded or killed in today’s brutal and horrific assassination attempt,” senior Trump aide Meredith O’Rourke said.
“All donations will be directed to these proud Americans as they grieve and recover. May God bless and unite our nation.”
Organisers hope to raise $1million for the victims and their families.
More than 7,500 people have donated to the pot, with the current haul standing at just over $610,000.
Around $85,000 was raised within 60 minutes of the page’s launch.
Source Agencies
