The suspected shooter who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump at a campaign rally on Saturday was found to have explosive devices inside his car. It is believed that the 20-year-old shooter’s father purchased the gun used in the attack just six months prior, according to Wall Street Journal.
As we previously reported, former president, Donald Trump barely escaped an assassination attempt when gunshots were directed towards the stage during his rally speech in Butler, Pennsylvania. As the country grapples with the aftermath and uncertainties surrounding the Secret Service’s response at the event, additional information is starting to surface regarding the shooter and his possible reasons for the attack.
RELATED: Melania Trump Issues Powerful Statement After Assassination Attempt On Husband Donald Trump
According to authorities, Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old Pennsylvania resident, had parked his car near the rally in Butler on Saturday. He then climbed onto the roof of a nearby building to gain a vantage point of the stage. At approximately 6 p.m., roughly 15 minutes after Trump started his speech, the shooter began firing.
Gunshots were heard and screams filled the air as the former president sought cover behind the podium, while Secret Service agents rushed onto the stage to shield him.
Shortly after, Secret Service agents fatally shot the suspect, and Trump was quickly escorted off stage and driven away in his motorcade.
RELATED: FBI Identifies Donald Trump Rally Shooter As 20-Year-Old Thomas Matthew Crooks Of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania
In a memorable moment that has already been featured on unofficial merchandise, the former president was captured raising his fist to supporters with blood running down his face. According to sources cited by The Washington Post, investigators later found Crooks’ vehicle and uncovered explosives inside.