Thomas Matthew Crooks, the suspect in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, purchased 50 rounds of ammunition hours before the incident.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old suspect in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, purchased 50 rounds of ammunition just hours before the incident, according to reports.
Trump Assassination Attempt: Suspect Bought Ammunition Before Shooting
The bullets were bought from local gun shop Allegheny Arms before Crooks opened fire at Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday evening, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.
FBI officials have yet to confirm the report, but have noted that they have completed a vetting of Crooks' phone.
Trump Assassination Attempt: Suspect Bought Ammunition Before Shooting
The FBI said in a statement: "The search of the subject's residence and vehicle are complete. The FBI has conducted nearly 100 interviews of law enforcement personnel, event attendees, and other witnesses. That work continues."
The owner of Allegheny Arms, Bruce Piendl, pledged his full support and cooperation with law enforcement as authorities investigate the shooting.
Trump Assassination Attempt: Suspect Bought Ammunition Before Shooting
"As a responsible member of our community, it is our prerogative to cooperate with law enforcement in every way," Piendl told Fox News Digital. "We are thankful that President Trump was not assassinated, and our hearts go out to all victims of this horrible incident."
"Out of respect for the ongoing investigation and that of those affected, we will not make any further statements," he added.
Trump Assassination Attempt: Suspect Bought Ammunition Before Shooting
Crooks used his father's gun during the shooting, which injured Trump and two other men and left a rally attendee dead.
CNN reported that Crooks' parents owned roughly 20 registered firearms.
According to NBC, at least a dozen firearms were found in the Crooks' family home after a law enforcement sweep of the residence.
The FBI has also revealed that a search of Crooks' car turned up bomb-making materials that he drove to the site of the rally.
Investigators found that Crooks was in possession of a transmitter, but the purpose of the device was not clear.
The FBI has said he acted alone, but a motive for the shooting has not been specified.
Crooks, a 2022 high school graduate, has been described as an insular loner who was subject to relentless bullying.
While a registered Republican, Crooks donated to a progressive organization in 2021, further deepening the mystery around his motivations.
Crooks was shot dead by snipers after he opened fire at the rally at roughly 6 p.m. Saturday.
Trump was struck in the ear, while rally attendee Corey Comperatore, 50, was killed. Two others were hit and remain in stable condition.
Crooks' relatives have told various outlets that they remain mystified by the shooting and haven't theorized about his motivations.
