The Trump Rally Shooting: Witness Describes Stunned Crowd and Investigation Unveils New Details

Angelita Rau
July 18, 2024 08:04pm
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Witness Shane Corwell recounts the chaos and confusion during the Trump rally shooting in Pennsylvania, as investigators delve deeper into the motive and background of the suspected gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks.

Witness Shane Corwell witnessed firsthand the shocking events that unfolded at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania, where former President Donald Trump was targeted in an assassination attempt. Corwell described the crowd as "stunned" in the immediate aftermath of the shooting, with people scrambling for cover as Secret Service agents apprehended the gunman.

The suspected gunman, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was fatally shot by Secret Service snipers after firing multiple rounds at the rally. The investigation into Crooks' motives and background has been ongoing, with new details emerging about his family and political leanings.

The Trump Rally Shooting: Witness Describes Stunned Crowd and Investigation Unveils New Details

Hours before the shooting, Crooks' parents contacted local law enforcement, expressing concerns about his welfare and reporting him missing. It is unclear whether they knew about his possession of an AR-15 rifle belonging to his father. The police have remained tight-lipped about any actions they took after being contacted.

Investigators have conducted a thorough vetting of Crooks' phone and social media accounts, but the results have not yet been made public. His parents are fully cooperating with the FBI, which is seeking to establish a clear motive for the shooting that left Trump injured and rally attendee Corey Comperatore dead.

The Trump Rally Shooting: Witness Describes Stunned Crowd and Investigation Unveils New Details

Crooks, a graduate of Bethel Park High School, was a registered Republican who had donated to a progressive campaign in the past. He was a member of a local gun club along with his father, a registered Libertarian. His mother was registered as a Democrat.

Despite his political affiliations, Crooks was described as a high school loner who kept mostly to himself. He had earned an associate degree in engineering science just two months before the shooting and had plans to attend Robert Morris University in the fall.

The Trump Rally Shooting: Witness Describes Stunned Crowd and Investigation Unveils New Details

According to CNN, Crooks worked as a dietary aide at a local nursing home and had requested Saturday off, claiming he had "something to do." Investigators are examining all aspects of Crooks' life to piece together a comprehensive understanding of his actions and motivations.

The shooting at the Trump rally has raised concerns about political violence and the safety of candidates and attendees at political events. Law enforcement is working diligently to ensure the safety of both Trump and the public during his ongoing campaign rallies.