Authorities have uncovered explosives inside the car of Thomas Matthew Crooks [1], the man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Trump, near the site of a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Sources informed Fox News [2] that bomb-making materials were also found at Crooks’ residence.
Law enforcement officials are investigating the incident, with a focus on the discovery of an IED and multiple explosives in Crooks’ vehicle.
Investigators continued their work late into the night, ensuring the safety of the site, conducting searches of Crooks’ home, and speaking with his family.
According to The Associated Press [3], bomb-making materials were found in both Crooks’ car and residence; however, authorities have not confirmed whether these materials were capable of creating explosive devices.
The FBI identified Crooks, a 20-year-old Bethel Park resident, as the individual behind the assassination attempt and urged anyone with information to come forward.
Crooks allegedly fired shots from a rooftop about 130 yards away during the rally, where he managed to hit the upper part of Trump’s right ear.
The Secret Service intervened and fatally shot Crooks, who initiated the attack from an elevated position outside the rally venue.
One attendee was killed [4], and two spectators were critically injured during the incident. The deceased victim was identified as Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief who reportedly shielded his family from the gunfire.
Corey Comperatore was the bedrock of America. Every good quality that built this nation -love of family, service to community, courage under fire – was exemplified in his heroic actions yesterday and every day of his life. May he #RIP [5]. pic.twitter.com/7P08m5Bo0V [6]
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) July 14, 2024 [7]