Thomas Matthew Crooks Found With Remote Transmitter Linked To Explosives

Over the weekend, the public watched in shock as a bullet grazed the right ear of former president Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service rushed the stage seconds after Trump went down, ducking behind the podium. The 78-year-old was escorted to safety, but not before he stood and pumped his fist in the air, yelling, "Fight."

Hours after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, the suspect was identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. Investigators have uncovered an AR-style rifle at the scene, as well as explosive devices in his car.

According to ABC, investigators looking into the attempted assassination of Donald Trump found a remote transmitter in the pocket of Thomas Matthew Crooks. This comes after explosive devices were found in the suspect's car, parked at the scene.

It is believed that the 20-year-old intended to activate the two suspicious devices located in his vehicle. A third device was found in his home.

According to law enforcement, the devices at both sites were similarly built within ammunition containers, using components that appear to be linked to the remote control found on the suspect. Per the outlet, the receivers in each device were connected to various elements that investigators believe could potentially form functional devices, although their exact operation is still under investigation.

The intended use of these devices remains unclear, including whether they were meant to create a significant explosion that could cause harm or if they were designed for a less harmful purpose, such as generating smoke, fire, and a minor blast for distraction.

Furthermore, investigators discovered a tactical vest in Crooks' car, but it remains unclear why he chose not to wear it during the assassination attempt on the former president. Some are speculating whether he expected to die in the attack.

An analysis of the suspect's phone, which the FBI has now accessed, has not revealed any substantial information regarding his motives.

Additionally, Crooks' political affiliations are unclear. While he was registered as a Republican in Pennsylvania, federal campaign finance records indicate that he contributed $15 to a progressive political action committee on January 20, 2021, the same day Joe Biden was inaugurated as President.

Not only did Crooks ask his father to borrow the AR-style rifle on the morning of the shooting, but he also purchased 50 rounds of ammo and asked his employer for the day off.

The 20-year-old worked as a dietary aide at Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, a nursing home situated less than a mile from his family's home.

“We are shocked and saddened to learn of his involvement as Thomas Matthew Crooks performed his job without concern and his background check was clean,” Marcie Grimm, the center's administrator, said in a statement.

As investigators continue to look into his past, some of his fellow classmates have come forward, claiming he was a bit of a loner.

“He sat by himself, didn’t talk to anyone, didn’t even try to make conversation,” 17-year-old Liam Campbell said, per The Associated Press. “He was an odd kid,” but nothing about him seemed dangerous, he added. “Just a normal person who seemed like he didn’t like talking to people.”

“He was bullied almost every day,” classmate Jason Kohler added of Crooks, who graduated from Bethel Park High School with the Class of 2022. “He was just an outcast.”

There has been no indication that the shooter left behind any writings, suicide notes, social media posts, or other evidence explaining his reasons for targeting Donald Trump at the rally over the weekend.

“We are working hard to determine the sequence of events related to the subject and his movements in the hours, days, and weeks prior to the shooting,” Kevin Rojek, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office said while noting that “we’re still very early in this investigation.”