His sister, Dawn Comperatore Schafer, poignantly shared on social media that her brother died while shielding his daughter from the gunfire.
Secret Service snipers swiftly neutralized Crooks moments after he began shooting, ending the immediate threat. The weapon Crooks used, an AR-style rifle, was later identified as being purchased by his father, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.
The shooting also left two other individuals critically wounded.
They were taken to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh and remained hospitalized as of Sunday. Their identities have not been disclosed.
Explosive Devices Found
In a disturbing development, explosive devices were found in Crooks’ car, which was parked not far from the rally site.
Reports of suspicious packages led to the deployment of bomb technicians to ensure the area was safe.
This precautionary measure extended into the night as authorities meticulously combed through the vicinity and later searched Crooks’ family home for additional threats.
