Rifle used by Trump rally shooter bought by his father 11 years ago, person familiar says

Federal investigators have determined that the rifle used in an attempted assassination of Donald Trump Saturday evening was legally purchased by the gunman’s father in 2013, according to a person familiar with the investigation.

The 20-year-old gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, bought 50 rounds of ammunition at a local gun store the morning of the shooting, according to this person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share information that has not been released publicly.

The FBI said Monday that agents have successfully access the data on the cell phone belonging to Crooks, but are still trying to determine his motive.

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

Crooks opened fire at a rally for Trump in Butler, Pa., wounding the former president and leaving one rallygoer dead and two others critically injured.

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

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle also participated, as her agency faces questions over how Crooks managed to get on the roof of a building outside the rally’s security perimeter and open fire. Video taken just before the attack appears to show some spectators trying to alert police to the shooter’s presence.

[Secret Service under scrutiny over gunman’s access to a clear view of Trump]

Crooks, of Bethel Park, Pa., graduated in May with an associate’s degree in engineering science from the Community College of Allegheny County in western Pennsylvania, according to a college spokesperson. Authorities said Sunday that they believe he acted alone in the shooting and that so far their investigation has not identified any political ideology he subscribed to that suggested a motive for the attack.

[Motive of man who tried to assassinate Trump remains elusive]

“Like all Americans, we are shocked and saddened by the horrific turn of events that took place in Butler, Pa., on Saturday,” the community college said in a statement. It expressed relief that Trump is 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 had the gunman’s entire neighborhood blocked off Sunday, but the area was reopened to the public on Monday. Crooks lived in a small one-story brick home.

FBI special agent in charge Kevin Rojek said Crooks used an AR-style rifle chambered in 5.56mm, a common caliber for such weapons. Authorities said the weapon was identified and traced using records from a gun dealership that is no longer operating.

The gunman, who excelled in math as a high school student and worked at a local nursing home, was a member of the Clairton Sportsmen’s Club, a shooting club in Clairton, Pa., a club lawyer confirmed Monday.

The club “fully admonishes the senseless act of violence that occurred on Saturday,” Robert S. Bootay III said. He added that the club “offers its sincerest condolences to the Comperatore family and extends prayers to all of those injured, including the former president.”

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