Republican presidential candidate former U.S. president Donald Trump is helped off the stage by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign event in Butler, Pa., on Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Trump assassination attempt: Where FBI investigation stands
The FBI is looking into Crooks’ actions in the days and weeks before the shooting, as it leads the investigation into the assassination attempt.
The bureau said it was investigating the incident as “an act of domestic terrorism,” but had not yet identified an ideology associated with the shooter. Investigators say they believe he acted alone but have not yet established a motive.
Key evidence collected from the scene includes an AR-style 556 rifle, which was purchased legally, and Crooks’ cell phone, said Kevin Rojek, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office.
“Our primary focus is on the phone and we’re working to get access to the phone,” Rojek said.
Investigators said they had limited insight into recent communications that Crooks made.
Crooks’ family is cooperating with the investigation. His father purchased the weapon used in the attack and investigators are looking into how Crooks gained access to it.
Also being analyzed is a device found in Crooks’ car. FBI officials said the device was “rudimentary” in nature.
There was no indication that Crooks had mental health issues and investigators found no threatening language on his social media accounts.
Attorney General Merrick Garland said he’s “grateful that former President Trump is safe following yesterday’s horrific assassination attempt.” FBI Director Christopher Wray called the attack “absolutely despicable.”
Congress to investigate attack
Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, plans to launch an investigation into the assassination attempt, an aide confirmed to NPR. Peters is also running the Senate Democrats’ 2024 campaign operation.
The attack has renewed concerns about threats to lawmakers.
House Republicans received a briefing from top law enforcement officials on Capitol Hill Sunday afternoon, according to a source granted anonymity to discuss security matters. The agencies included the House Sergeant at Arms and U.S. Capitol Police. A separate source confirms that House Democrats will receive a similar briefing Monday at 2 p.m.
The briefings are part of a broader concern among lawmakers about an uptick in threats against members, staff and their families. Congress has been debating additional funding for member security since the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol and a subsequent wave of threats that have continued.
Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old father and firefighter from Sarver, Pa., was identified by state officials as the man killed in Saturday’s attack.
During a news conference, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said that he spoke to Comperatore’s wife, who described him as a “girl dad” and a firefighter who went to church every Sunday; a man who loved his community and his family. Comperatore, Shapiro said, was an avid supporter of Trump and was “so excited to be with him last night in the community.”
The man killed in the assassination attempt on Trump died shielding his family
President Biden offered his condolences to his family after they said Comperatore died shielding them from the bullets.
“He was a father, who was protecting his family from the bullets that were being fired,” Biden said. “And he lost his life, God love him.”
Two other Pennsylvania residents who were injured in the shooting — David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington and James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township — were both hospitalized and in stable condition on Sunday.