The 20-year-old gunman who attempted to assassinate former President Donald J. Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania seems to have acted alone, according to F.B.I. officials. Despite this, investigators are still uncertain about his motives and political beliefs, and they have not yet been able to access the evidence on his cellphone.
In addition to the firearm used in the shooting, officials discovered what they described as a “rudimentary” explosive device in the gunman’s vehicle. There were also possible explosives found at his residence, as reported by a source familiar with the investigation. The F.B.I. confirmed that the gunman’s father legally purchased the AR-15-type semiautomatic rifle, but it remains unclear whether the weapon was given to his son or taken without permission. The family is said to be cooperating with the investigation, according to Kevin Rojek, the F.B.I. special agent in charge in Pittsburgh.
Federal investigators are working diligently to uncover why Thomas Matthew Crooks, the gunman from Bethel Park, Pa., decided to open fire at the rally, injuring Mr. Trump, causing the death of a rally attendee, and critically injuring two others before being shot by a Secret Service sniper. Despite the extensive investigation, Mr. Crooks did not have a history of mental illness or criminal behavior.
There is no indication that Mr. Crooks left behind any written statements that could shed light on his motivations or potential external influences. This lack of information has made it challenging for law enforcement officials to fully understand the events leading up to the tragic incident.
The incident has raised concerns about the security measures in place at political events and the potential risks posed by lone individuals with access to firearms and explosives. It has also sparked discussions about the need for improved mental health resources and early intervention strategies to prevent such acts of violence in the future.
As the investigation into the lone gunman’s motives continues, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior or threats to law enforcement. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of public figures and event attendees alike.