Trump Assassination Attempt: Suspect Bought Ammo Day Of Shooting

BETHEL PARK, PA — The man who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at his campaign rally Saturday purchased 50 rounds of ammunition the day of the shooting at a gun and ammunition shop in Bethel Park, law enforcement authorities said.

A bulletin from the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI also said that two improvised explosive devices were found in Thomas Matthew Crooks' vehicle and another was found in his Bethel Park home.

Crooks had several packages delivered to his home over the past several months, some indicating they possibly contained hazardous material, authorities said.

The FBI has completed its search of Crooks' home and vehicle. The bureau said in a statement released Monday evening that it also has accessed Crooks' phone and continues to analyze his electronic devices.

The bureau is the lead agency investigating the assassination attempt Saturday during the Trump rally in Butler County. Trump's ear was wounded in the incident that claimed the life of one man and seriously wounded two others.

Corey Comperatore, 50, of Sarver, Butler County, died while shielding family members from Crooks, who fired shots from a nearby rooftop. The other spectators who were shot, David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington, and James Coperhaver, 74, of Moon, both were listed in stable condition by the Pennsylvania State Police.

A U.S. Secret Service agent at the scene killed Crooks, 20.

Investigation Advances

While the inquiry into the shooting remains in its early stages, the FBI stated it has conducted nearly 100 interviews of law enforcement personnel, event attendees and other witnesses.

The bureau also has received hundreds of digital media tips that include photos and videos taken at the scene and continues to review incoming tips. Anyone with information that could assist the the investigation is urged to submit it online at tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

On Friday, the day before the shooting. Crooks went to a shooting range to practice firing, CNN reported. On Saturday, he went to a Home Depot and bought a five-foot ladder before making the ammunition purchase.

Crooks then made the hour-long drive to Butler and parked his outside the rally. Hidden inside his vehicle's trunk was an improvised explosive device wired to a transmitter he carried, an anonymous law enforcement official told CNN.

It was unclear why the explosive was not detonated.

CNN also reported Tuesday that the Secret Service recently increased security around Trump after intelligence sources learned of an Iranian plot to assassinate him. There is no evidence Crooks was connected to the plot.

Upcoming Hearings

Although questions abound as to how Crooks was able to carry out the shooting, U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle on Monday defended her agency's response during the incident. Cheatle also said the Secret Service will cooperate fully with all investigative bodies.

James Comer, R-Kentucky, who chairs the House Oversight Committee, said he has contacted Cheatle to appear at a hearing on the assassination attempt on July 22.

On Tuesday, House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark E. Green, R-TN invited Chearte, Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and FBI Director Christopher Wray to testify before the panel on July 23.

“The American people want answers on what happened Saturday in Pennsylvania," Green said in a release.

"Secretary Mayorkas and Director Cheatle are responsible for the department and the agency
charged with securing our homeland and protecting our nation’s chief executives and candidates, while Director Wray leads the agency with the vital responsibility of investigating this attempted assassination."

Shooting Aftermath

Trump on Monday night appeared at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee with a bandage over his right ear. He emerged from backstage at the event while country music star Lee Greenwood sang "God Bless the USA."

Trump, who formally received the GOP presidential nomination earlier in the day, did not address the convention last night.

Two separate fundraising campaigns, one authorized by Trump, have raised nearly $6 million on
behalf of the three rally spectators who were shot. Among the most prominent donors have been Elon Musk, owner of the social media platform X, and musical performer Kid Rock.