Would-be Trump assassin had explosives in car parked near rally, bomb-making materials at home: reports

The man authorities say attempted to assassinate former President Trump had explosives inside his car – found parked near the Pennsylvania rally – and bomb-making materials at his home, according to reports Sunday. 

Law enforcement discovered the car, which was driven by Thomas Matthew Crooks, parked near the Trump rally in Butler, Pa., The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people briefed on the investigation. 

The Journal said authorities dispatched bomb technicians after police received multiple reports of suspicious packages near where the shooter was located. 

The sources added that investigators remained at the scene well into the night to make sure it was clear and also conducted a search of Crooks' home and spoke with his family.

WHO WAS THOMAS MATTHEW CROOKS? WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT TRUMP’S ATTEMPTED ASSASSIN

Authorities reportedly found the would-be Trump assassin's car near the rally in Butler, Pa., with explosives inside.  (Fox News)

The FBI early Sunday identified Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pa., "as the subject involved in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13, in Butler, Pennsylvania." 

The bureau said the investigation remains active and ongoing and encouraged anyone with information to submit photos or videos online at fbi.gov/butler or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Undated file photo of Thomas Matthew Crooks. Crooks is alleged to be the shooter in the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday, July 13, 2024. (Fox News Digital law enforcement source)

Crooks reportedly shot at Trump from a rooftop perch some 130 yards away during a rally in the small town, striking the upper part of Trump’s right ear while the former president was speaking to rallygoers. It happened ahead of the Republican National Convention, which is scheduled to kick off on Monday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

An FBI official said investigators had not yet determined a motive.

Secret Service agents fatally shot Crooks. The gunman attacked from an elevated position outside the rally venue at a farm show in Butler, the agency said.

Secret Service agents surround Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump onstage after he was injured at a rally on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)

One attendee was killed, and two spectators were critically wounded, authorities said. All were identified as men but their names have not yet been released. 

Law enforcement officials told the Associated Press that bomb-making materials were found inside Crooks' vehicle and bomb-making materials were also found at his home. The two officials were not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

Investigators believe the firearm Crooks used had been purchased by Crooks' father at least six months ago, two law enforcement officials told the AP. Federal agents were still working to understand when and how his son obtained the gun, and to gather additional information about Crooks, according to the officials.

Fox News' Scott McDonald and the Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Danielle Wallace is a reporter for Fox News Digital covering politics, crime, police and more. Story tips can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and on Twitter: @danimwallace.