An active crime scene is underway at the Butler Farm Show Grounds after former President Donald Trump was shot at during his campaign rally.
Trump’s campaign has confirmed that the former President is fine. He was scene leaving the stage with Secret Service with blood around his ear.
We have confirmed with Butler County District Attorney Rich Goldinger that the suspected shooter is dead. He also has confirmed that one attendee at the rally has died. The Secret Service also issued a statement saying that two people are in critical condition. Their identities have not been released.
This happened about five minutes into Trump’s speech at the Farm Show Grounds.
A witness tells our newsroom that he saw Secret Service and police running to AGR International, which is a building located at the corner of Whitestown and Route 68. He said that the shooter was on top of one of the buildings located at AGR. Video evidence has also emerged of Secret Service on the roof as well. The FBI identified the suspected shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park.
Trump’s campaign said in a statement that he was treated at a local hospital. While no official would confirm Trump was treated at Butler Memorial Hospital, there was a heavy police presence at the hospital. The presidential motorcade reportedly left the hospital around 9 p.m.
The FBI is now the lead investigation agency and issued the following statement:
“The FBI has assumed the role of the lead federal law enforcement agency in the investigation of the incident involving former President Donald Trump that occurred earlier today in Butler, Pennsylvania. Special agents of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office responded immediately, to include crisis response team members and evidence response technicians. We will continue to support this investigation with the full resources of the FBI, alongside our partners at the U.S. Secret Service and state and local law enforcement. Anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is asked to call our tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI.”
This is a breaking story, we’ll have more information as we learn more.
