In a shocking turn of events, a gunman opened fire at a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday night. The gunman has been identified by the FBI as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Crooks was killed by a Secret Service sniper during the incident.

According to Kevin Rojek, FBI Pittsburgh special agent in charge, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear at the moment. Law enforcement officials stated that Crooks had no ties to foreign terrorism and was not on the radar of law enforcement prior to the attack. Investigators are diligently running background checks and speaking to Crooks' family to understand his motives.

The gunman, who was not carrying identification, was identified through DNA analysis, as confirmed by federal investigators. Authorities have secured Crooks' home and are conducting a search of his family's residence in suburban Pittsburgh.

Tragically, the shooting resulted in the death of one audience member, while two others remain in critical condition. The victims, all male, have not yet been identified.

Multiple law enforcement sources revealed that the gunman fired shots from an AR-style rifle at a distance of 200 to 300 feet away from the rally stage. He positioned himself on the roof of a shed outside the security perimeter. The swift action of the Secret Service, bolstered by additional assets provided due to Trump's heavy campaigning, resulted in the immediate neutralization of the threat.

Witnesses at the rally reported seeing the assailant crawling on the building before opening fire. Greg, a witness who spoke to the BBC, stated that he and others promptly alerted the police and U.S. Secret Service agents about the gunman's presence. They estimated that the assailant spent approximately three to four minutes on the roof before shots were heard.

Enhanced security measures were in place at the rally, including four counter-sniper teams, additional manpower, counter-sniper equipment, drones, and robotic dogs. Trump's teleprompter, along with the flag and podium banners, were also reinforced with steel for added protection.

The FBI has taken the lead in investigating the shooting, which has sent shockwaves through the community. As the investigation continues, authorities are working tirelessly to ascertain the motives behind this tragic incident and provide support to the victims and their families.

It remains to be seen how the events of this rally will impact future campaign events and the ongoing debate over security measures for political gatherings.