Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old kitchen worker who was the gunman in Donald Trump’s attempted murder, was shot during the encounter. At a Pennsylvania campaign event, the former US president was speaking when he was attacked.
Authorities and law enforcement continue to look into Crooks’ motivation.
During a briefing on Saturday night, FBI Pittsburgh special agent in charge Kevin Rojek stated, “At this time, we do not have an identified motive.”
The shooter reportedly had a powerful semi-automatic rifle, similar to the AR-15, which is well-known for being used in several killings.
AR-15, the gun used by the Trump shooter, is America’s most notorious weapon
In the US, one of the most widely used and lethal weapons is the AR-15-style rifle. It has frequently been observed in some of the deadliest mass shootings in the nation.
Eugene Stoner created the rifle’s initial design for Armalite in the late 1950s. Afterward, Colt purchased it and sold it to both military and civilian customers.
The AR-15 uses high-velocity, relatively small-caliber cartridges. Because of its modular construction, this rifle is both user-friendly and adaptable. Users may quickly and simply customize it with various stocks, grips, sights, and other attachments. It is a preferred choice for hunters, police enforcement, and sport shooters for this reason, among others.
A further factor in its appeal is its affordability: acquiring an AR-16 is simple and affordable. Depending on their home state, a potential owner may be able to stroll into a gun store, show a legitimate ID, and purchase a rifle or shotgun—as long as they pass a federal background check—after purchasing it.
One in twenty American adults is predicted to own at least one AR-15, according to a 2023 Washington Post survey.
In terms of performance, the AR-15 can shoot accurately up to 500–600 meters at an effective range. It is renowned for its versatility, controllable recoil, and accuracy.
Although it is mostly used by US citizens, its design also makes it possible for it to serve as the basis for several military rifles, such as the M16 and M4 carbines, which have been widely utilized by the US military. Due to its versatility and military versions’ rapid rate of fire, the AR-15 has also generated controversy in conversations about gun regulation, especially in light of its involvement in many high-profile mass shootings.
(With agency contributions)
