Posted on 07/16/24
| News Source: FOX News
Trump rally shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks purchased 50 rounds of ammunition just hours before the incident, according to reports.
Crooks, 20, bought the bullets from local gun shop Allegheny Arms before opening fire at former President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday evening, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.
FBI officials had not yet confirmed the report as of Tuesday morning, but noted that they've completed a vetting of Crooks' phone.
"The search of the subject’s residence and vehicle are complete. The FBI has conducted nearly 100 interviews of law enforcement personnel, event attendees, and other witnesses. That work continues," the FBI said in a statement.
The owner of Allegheny Arms had pledged his full support and cooperation with law enforcement as authorities look into would-be Trump assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks. (Michael Ruiz/Fox News Digital.)
Bruce Piendl, owner of Allegheny Arms, where Crooks bought ammunition before the attack, told Fox News Digital, "As a responsible member of our community, it is our prerogative to cooperate with law enforcement in every way. We are thankful that President Trump was not assassinated, and our hearts go out to all victims of this horrible incident."
"Out of respect for the ongoing investigation and that of those affected, we will not make any further statements," he added.
Crooks used his father's gun during the shooting, which injured Trump and two other men and left a rally attendee dead.
CNN reported that Crooks' parent owned roughly 20 registered firearms.
According to NBC, at least a dozen firearms were found in the Crooks' family home after a law enforcement sweep of the residence.