Trump rally shooter’s rifle was purchased 11 years ago, says a familiar person

The FBI said Monday that its agents had managed to access data on Crooks’ cellphone but were still trying to determine his motive.

Technical experts “have successfully gained access to Thomas Matthew Crooks’ phone and continue to analyze his electronic devices,” the agency said in a statement.

At a rally for Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, the crooks opened fire. They injured the former president, one participant in the rally died and two others were seriously injured.

President Biden and Vice President Harris were briefed in the Situation Room on Monday morning by senior law enforcement and security officials, including FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, Attorney General Merrick Garland and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle also attended the event. Her agency is asking questions about how Crooks managed to get onto the roof of a building outside the rally’s security perimeter and open fire. A video taken shortly before the attack appears to show some bystanders trying to alert police to the gunman’s presence.

Crooks, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, graduated in May with a degree in engineering from the Community College of Allegheny County in western Pennsylvania, a college spokesman said. Authorities said Sunday they believe he fired alone, and their investigation has so far revealed no political ideology that would suggest a motive for the attack.

“Like all Americans, we are shocked and saddened by the horrific events that unfolded in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday,” the community college said in a statement. It expressed relief that Trump was safe and offered condolences to the family of Corey Comperatore, the 50-year-old engineer and father of two who was killed.

Police and volunteer firefighters cordoned off the shooter’s entire neighborhood on Sunday, but the area was reopened to the public on Monday. The crooks lived in a small, one-story brick house.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek said the crooks used a 5.56mm AR-style rifle, a common caliber for such weapons. Authorities said the weapon was identified and tracked down using records from a gun dealer who is no longer in business.

The shooter, who excelled in math in high school and worked at a local nursing home, was a member of the Clairton Sportsmen’s Club, a shooting club in Clairton, Pennsylvania, an attorney for the club confirmed Monday.

The club “strongly condemns Saturday’s senseless act of violence,” said Robert S. Bootay III, adding that the club “extends its sincere condolences to the Comperatore family and extends its prayers to all those injured, including the former president.”

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Matt Viser in Washington and Tim Craig and Emily Davies in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, contributed to this report.