On July 13, 2024, a domestic terrorist tried to assassinate Donald Trump during a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania. A 20-year-old assailant, Thomas Matthew Crooks, armed with an AR‑15–style rifle, opened fire from a rooftop across from the venue. Trump was struck in the ear by a bullet fragment, one rallygoer was killed, and two others seriously injured before security forces neutralized the shooter. Though Trump survived, the attack marked one of the most serious threats to a presidential candidate in decades.
Political and Social Context
By 2024, the U.S. was deeply polarized. Trump, then former president and 2024 Republican nominee, continued his fiery populist campaign. The rally in Butler was part of a tour aimed at consolidating support. While rally security had been ramped up, the threat of mass violence against public figures loomed larger—exacerbated by global tensions and extremist rhetoric .
The Plot
Thomas Matthew Crooks, age 20, from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, legally purchased an AR‑15 rifle from his father. In the week leading up to the rally, he visited the site, practiced shooting, bought ammunition and a ladder, and flew a drone to survey the surroundings .
Crooks intended to shoot Trump from a rooftop approximately 400–450 feet away, possibly using an explosive device in his car. He lacked known ideological motivation, and his motive remains officially “unknown” pending full investigation.
Timeline
- July 7, 2024: Crooks scouts Butler rally venue.
- July 12, 2024: He practices with his rifle at a gun range.
- July 13, a.m.: Crooks purchases ladder and ammo, then drives to Butler.
- Around 3:50 p.m.: He flies a drone to observe the site.
- 6:06 p.m.: Crooks climbs to firing position on rooftop.
- 6:11 p.m.: He fires eight rounds; Trump is grazed, three others hit, one killed.
- Moments later: A Secret Service sniper fatally wounds Crooks.
The Assassination Attempt
From his exposed vantage point, Crooks fired eight times toward Trump. A bullet fragment hit Trump’s upper ear—small but definitive. The Secret Service countersniper shot Crooks in the head, ending the threat. Tragically, one bystander, Corey Comperatore (50), was killed, and two others critically injured.
Immediate Aftermath
News outlets flashed images of Trump bleeding but raising his fist defiantly, a symbol that later became iconic. Biden and Harris were briefed; Trump praised first responders. The FBI launched a domestic terrorism investigation, and scrutiny of campaign rally security soared.
Investigation and Arrests
FBI and local law enforcement recovered the rifle, ammunition, and bomb-making materials from Crooks’ vehicle. Drone footage and communications showed premeditation. Crooks acted alone; motive remains contested. The FBI continues interviewing witnesses and analyzing evidence .
Trial and Legal Proceedings
Crooks was killed at the scene; no trial took place. A federal congressional task force and Senate inquiry criticized Secret Service lapses and local coordination failures, especially the unlocked building Crooks accessed.
Punishments and Legacy of the Conspirator
With the shooter deceased, legal consequences ended. Crooks’ actions underscored vulnerabilities—not just in site access, but in threat awareness. His planning showed how access to weapons and simple logistics can enable attempts with devastating consequences.
Long-Term Impact on the Nation
The event triggered sweeping security reforms. A bipartisan Senate report and internal Secret Service review mandated better coordination with local agencies, counter-drone strategies, and rigorous site assessments, especially around auxiliary structures.
It also provoked broader reflection on political violence in America. Studies found widespread public sympathy for Trump after the attempt, and researchers noted a temporary boost in his support within key demographics.
Controversies and Conspiracy Theories
Debates arose over intelligence sharing, why Crooks wasn’t intercepted earlier, and the failure to secure the AGR building rooftop. Some allege a lack of transparency—evocative of past naturalization of threats during campaign events. No verified conspiracy theories emerged, but scrutiny remains intense .
Primary Source Appendix
- FBI press releases and technical statements (July–August 2024)
- Congressional task force findings (U.S. House Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, especially December 12, 2024)
- Secret Service mission-assurance review (Sep 2024)
- Media coverage from AP News, CBS News, Reuters, The New York Times, BBC, and Guardian (July–December 2024)
- Iconic photography and cultural portrayal documentation
- FBI and Secret Service statements on enhancements to candidate protection