Gun used by Trump rally shooter was believed to have been purchased 11 years ago, person familiar with the matter says

The FBI said Monday that its agents had successfully accessed data from Crooks’ cellphone, but were still trying to determine his motive.

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

Hooligans opened fire at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, wounding the former president and leaving one attendee dead and two others seriously injured.

President Biden and Vice President Harris were briefed Monday morning in the Situation Room by top 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 took part in the attack. Her agency is facing questions about how Crooks managed to climb onto the roof of a building outside the rally’s security perimeter and open fire. Video taken just before the attack appears to show bystanders trying to alert police to the shooter’s presence.

Crooks, a native of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, graduated in May with a degree in engineering from the Community College of Allegheny County in western Pennsylvania, according to a spokesman for the college. Authorities said Sunday they believe he acted alone in the shooting and that their investigation so far has not identified any political ideology he adhered to that could suggest a motive for the attack.

“Like all Americans, we are shocked and saddened by the horrific turn of events that took place 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 had blocked off the shooter’s entire neighborhood Sunday, but the area was reopened to the public Monday. Crooks lived in a small, one-story brick home.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek said Crooks fired an AR-style rifle chambered in 5.56 mm, a common caliber for such weapons. Authorities said the weapon was identified and traced 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 gun club in Clairton, Pennsylvania, a lawyer for the club confirmed Monday.

The club “fully condemns the senseless act of violence that occurred Saturday,” Robert S. Bootay III said. He added that the club “offers its deepest condolences to the Comperatore family and prays for all those injured, including the former president.”

This is a developing story. It will be updated.

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