Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger has confirmed that the shooter responsible for injuring former U.S. President Donald Trump, killing one audience member, and injuring another has been killed. The former president reportedly sustained a minor injury, with a bullet grazing his ear, but is now safe and in the process of recovering. The shooter was taken down by Secret Service agents. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the shooting.

The shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, had participated in the 2022 midterm elections and reportedly made a $15 donation to the left-leaning group, the Progressive Turnout Project, in 2021. However, there is currently no clear evidence or motive established for the shooting. The president of the club where the incident occurred expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, describing it as a terrible event. Thomas Matthew Crooks, who was responsible for the shooting, was confirmed to have a clean background check and had been employed without any concerns.

His parents are both social workers, with his father registered as a Libertarian and his mother as a Democrat. The firearm used by Crooks was legally purchased and traced back to his father. While investigators have not provided significant insight into Crooks, some of his former high school classmates have spoken about him, highlighting that he had experienced bullying and discrimination due to his appearance and differences in political beliefs. The general sentiment is one of shock and sadness following the tragic event.

Law enforcement progress is underway as they further investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the shooting.