Shocking twist in Donald Trump assassination attempt: What we know

In a shocking incident that has gripped the nation, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks attacked former United States President Donald Trump during a re-election campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Sunday, July 14. According to reports by American media, including statements from law enforcement officials to the Associated Press, explosives and bomb-making materials were discovered in Crooks’ vehicle parked near the venue, as well as at his residence.

The investigation revealed that Crooks, who had no military background despite initial speculations due to his attire and the manner of the attack, was not registered with any branch of the US military. “We’ve confirmed with each of the military service branches that there is no military service affiliation for the suspect with that name or date of birth in any branch, active or reserve component in their respective databases,” stated Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.

Further scrutiny into Crooks’ background showed that he was a registered Republican, according to state voter records. Interestingly, at the age of 17, he had made a $15 donation to a Democratic political action committee. The weapon used in the attack was purchased by his father. The 20-year-old was subsequently neutralized by Secret Service agents during the incident.

The assassination attempt has left the former first family shaken. Melania Trump, former First Lady, expressed her distress over the incident. “When I watched that violent bullet strike my husband, Donald, I realized my life, and Barron’s life were on the brink of devastating change. I’m grateful to the brave secret service agents and law enforcement officials who risked their own lives to protect my husband,” she recounted.

This incident underscores ongoing concerns about the safety of public figures and the intensifying security measures at political events. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities meticulously combing through the evidence gathered from Crooks’ possessions and backgrounds to understand the motive behind this drastic action.