Trump shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks' cause, manner of death revealed

An official cause and manner of death has been released for former President Trump's would-be assassin, Thomas Matthew Crooks. 

Crooks died of a gunshot wound to the head, the Butler County Coroner's Office told Fox News Digital Saturday. His manner of death was ruled a homicide. 

The 20-year-old was pronounced dead in Butler County, where he fired five rounds at a Trump rally July 13 and nicked the former president in the ear before he was "neutralized" 26 seconds later. 

FBI INTERVIEWS CLASSMATE OF TRUMP SHOOTER THOMAS MATTHEW CROOKS OVER DISLIKE FOR POLITICIANS

A post-mortem examination was completed in neighboring Allegheny County, where Crooks lived in Bethel Park, the Butler County Coroner's Office said. Fox News Digital has reached out to that county's office for comment. 

It is unclear what happened to Crooks' body after the examination. Fox News Digital has been unable to reach his family for comment. 

Although investigators have not yet determined his motive, a picture of the 20-year-old man who attempted to assassinate former President Trump is becoming more clear as his former classmates come forward with their impressions.

TRUMP SHOOTER'S FORMER AMERICAN POLITICS CLASSMATE ON CONVERSATIONS WITH WOULD-BE ASSASSIN THOMAS CROOKS

Few people clapped when slender, bespectacled Thomas Matthew Crooks was handed his diploma at his graduation from Bethel Park High School in 2022, a YouTube video of the ceremony shows.

Former peers who have spoken out since he was shot dead by Secret Service agents July 13 have characterized the Pennsylvania resident as a quiet loner. 

SNIPER KILLED WOULD-BE TRUMP ASSASSIN WITH 'ONE-IN-A-MILLION SHOT': SOURCE

Julianna Grooms, who graduated one year after Crooks, told The Wall Street Journal, "People would say he was the student who would shoot up the school," that he was bullied and that he was an "easy target."

But a classmate who rode the school bus with Crooks and whose sister was close with the shooter told Fox News Digital he had been mischaracterized by classmates who are "making up" the "most random information." 

"He didn’t talk a lot, but when he was talked to, he would make good conversation," the former Bethel Park High School student, who graduated a year behind Crooks, said Friday night. "He was easy to talk to. He would make good conversation. He was very chill, very humble.

"He had friends. He had friends on the bus, in class," the classmate said. "Not a lot of people knew him, but the ones that did never had a negative experience with him.

"You definitely have to be crazy to do what he did, but I was so surprised when I found out it was him."

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Israel strikes Iran-backed Houthis after Tehran proxy attacked Jewish state: 'Significance is clear'

JERUSALEM - Israel’s air force on Saturday launched surgical strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran-sponsored Houthi terrorist regime in Yemen.

According to an Israel Defense Forces statement, "A short while ago, IDF fighter jets struck military targets of the Houthi terrorist regime in the area of the Al Hudaydah Port in Yemen in response to the hundreds of attacks carried out against the State of Israel in recent months."

The IDF added, "There are no changes in the Home Front Command defensive guidelines. In the case of a change to the guidelines, we will update the public accordingly."

On Friday, the Houthi movement fired a lethal drone into Tel Aviv, resulting in the death of an Israeli and at least 10 injured and severe damage to buildings. The strike took place near the U.S. consulate building in Tel Aviv.

LARGE EXPLOSION ROCKS TEL AVIV IN MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT

Israel's Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant said after the strikes in Yemen: "The fire that is currently burning in Yemen, is seen across the Middle East. The first time that the Houthis harmed an Israeli citizen, we struck them. And we will do this in any place where it may be required."

He added, "I have just left the IAF [Israeli Air Force] Command Center where I met with the Prime Minister, IDF Chief of the General Staff and the Air Force Commander and closely monitored the strike conducted by IAF aircraft on the Hodeidah Port [in Yemen], 2,000 kilometers from the State of Israel." Gallant said "the significance is clear" of the fire in Yemen is important to show Israel’s enemies what they can face.

Gallant continued "The Houthis attacked us over 200 times. The first time that they harmed an Israeli citizen, we struck them. And we will do this in any place where it may be required. The blood of Israeli citizens has a price. This has been made clear in Lebanon, in Gaza, in Yemen, and in other places. If they will dare to attack us, the result will be identical."

The reference to Lebanon is directed at the Hezbollah terrorist regime that is the de facto ruler over Lebanon.

A Houthi spokesperson said via a public Telegram board message that Israeli airstrikes targeted civilian facilities, oil tanks and a power station in al-Hudaydah.

Houthi-linked media reported that several people were killed, according to Iran International. A Houthi official told the pro-Hezbollah news outlet in Lebanon, Al Mayadeen, that the Houthi regime will retaliate against Israel for the IDF strikes in Lebanon. The U.S.-designated terrorist entity, Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthi regime and the Islamic Republic of Iran form the anti-American and anti-Israel "axis of resistance."

Iran International noted the IDF strikes on Saturday hit oil refining facilities in the Hodeidah port, according to sources cited by Al-Masirah TV, the main television news outlet run by the Houthi movement.

YEMEN'S HOUTHI REBELS USE MISSILES, DRONES TO ATTACK 2 MORE SHIPS IN RED SEA

The Saudi Arabia-owned Al Arabiya reported that 12 Israeli aircraft, including an F35, attacked the port of Hodeidah.

The Friday drone attack unsettled the Israeli public because the country’s aerial defense failed to intercept the lethal projectile, possibly because of human error. Tel Aviv is the second-largest city in the Jewish state. Israel’s aerial assault in Yemen appears to be the first-ever IDF attack on the Arab country that has been ravaged by the Houthi movement.

Earlier on Saturday, Israel’s Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant held a meeting to approve operational plans together with the IDF Chief of the General Staff, Director General of the Ministry of Defense, IAF Commander, Head of the Operations Directorate, Head of the Intelligence Directorate, Head of the Strategic Affairs Directorate, Military Secretary to the Minister of Defense, and Head of the Policy and POL-MIL Bureau.

Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said in a statement: "I held an operational situation assessment this morning to review the steps required to strengthen our defense arrays in light of events overnight, as well as the intelligence and operational activities required against those responsible for the attack," 

He added, "The year 2024 is marked by war. We must be prepared for every scenario and every arena."

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, said an "error" had occurred on Friday. "We are investigating the entire chain," he said.

"We will continue to do everything we can to protect Israel’s people and borders," Hagari said. "Iran is funding, arming and directing its terror proxies in their attacks on Israel and the wider world. We will not allow Iran and its proxies to terrorize our civilians." 

A National Security Council spokesperson told Fox News that the U.S. was not involved in the strikes. "We’ve been in regular and ongoing contact with the Israelis following the strike in Tel Aviv that killed an Israeli civilian on Friday morning. We fully recognize and acknowledge Israel’s right to self-defense. The United States was not involved in today’s strikes in Yemen, and we did not coordinate or assist Israel with the strikes.  We refer you to the Israelis for more information."

The slogan of the Houthis is: "Allah is great, death to America, death to Israel, curse the Jews, victory to Islam." 

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WATCH: Thousands descend on Michigan town for first Trump rally since failed assassination attempt

Thousands of people lined the streets of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Saturday to show support for former President Trump at his first rally since a would-be assassin tried, but failed, to take his life last week.

"Fight, fight, fight!" some in the swing-state crowd began to chant as Fox News Digital asked if there was any sense of nervousness after what happened at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a 20-year-old gunman killed one rallygoer, critically wounded two others and shot Trump in the ear.

"West Michigan is fired up, and they are ready for a change in Washington," Michael Markey, the Republican candidate for Michigan's 3rd Congressional District, told Fox as he greeted rallygoers waiting in the growing line to enter Van Andel Arena.

RNC DELEGATES, GUESTS MAKE PREDICTIONS ABOUT BIDEN'S POLITICAL FUTURE AMID REPORTS HE MIGHT EXIT 2024 RACE

"Just one week ago, West Michigan stood in prayer for President Trump, the victims of the attack in Pennsylvania and our nation. Today, we are enthusiastically standing in line to see President Trump and show him we are are ready to fight, fight, fight," Markey said.

Some rallygoers told reporters they spent the night outside the arena, while others said they showed up nearly 12 hours early to get a spot in line.

It's unclear how many thousands of people will file into the arena, which can hold up to 12,000, but the rally is Trump's first joint campaign appearance alongside his vice presidential running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, which is expected to add more excitement.

ALINA HABBA TAKES ON MAJOR ROLE IN TRUMP CAMPAIGN, DISHES ON HIS HIGHLY ANTICIPATED RNC SPEECH

The rally is being held as the Secret Service continues to face questions about the assassination attempt and how the shooter was able to climb on top of a building unhindered with a direct line of sight to Trump as he spoke.

The agency reportedly requested additional support from local law enforcement to beef up security at the event in Grand Rapids.

Trump and Vance officially accepted their party's nominations for president and vice president at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee earlier this week.

Saturday's rally is expected to kick off at 5 p.m. ET.

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.

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Rafael Nadal reaches first tournament final since 2022 French Open

For the first time since the 2022 French Open, Rafael Nadal will be playing in a tournament final.

Nadal, 38, rallied to defeat Duje Ajdukovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the semifinal of the clay-court Nordea Open on Saturday in a match that lasted nearly four hours.

"My opponent had one of the best backhands that I played against," Nadal said. "It was very, very difficult, honestly, but I found a way to survive and be through to that final after a long time without being in a final. So that’s great news, and I’m very happy with that."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The Spaniard opted not to play in Wimbledon earlier this month as he didn’t want to switch surface to grass and then back to clay and risk injury. He has been dealing with hip and abdominal injuries over the past year and a half and is looking to stay healthy ahead of the Paris Olympics that begin next week.

The 22-time grand slam champion will take part in the singles competition held at Roland Garros and will partner with the defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz in doubles.

US TENNIS STAR TOMMY PAUL ‘EXCITED’ FOR OLYMPICS: ‘FEEL-GOOD MOMENT’ WHEN ‘AMERICAN FLAG IS ON YOUR SHOULDERS’

The last time Nadal played on a surface other than clay was January 1, 2024.

But Nadal’s day was not yet done with his single's match. Following the semi-final victory, he will be seeking to play in the men’s doubles finals alongside Casper Rudd.

Nadal and Rudd will take on Orlando Ruz and Rafael Matos in the semi-final later on Saturday. 

Nadal is seeking his 93rd career singles title and will either play Nuno Borges or Thiago Agustin Tirante in the final on Sunday.

Nadal won the Nordea Open in 2005. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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Biden's resistance to dropping out is coming from a place of 'delusion': CNN political commentator

CNN political commentator S.E. Cupp said Thursday that Democratic lawmakers were leaking their conversations with President Biden because they feel they can't get through to him about dropping out of the race.

"Democrats are so desperate to get through to Joe Biden and they’re not, that now they're leaking these private conversations as sort of an outside effort to triangulate and really force Joe Biden to acknowledge the realities of the state of his campaign. And unfortunately, I think his resistance does not look like it’s coming from a position of strength but a position of delusion," Cupp said. 

"The fact that everyone is now talking openly about these private efforts is speaking to that delusion and feeling like we can‘t get through to him. He’s not believing the polls. He says that publicly, he doesn‘t believe the polls. He’s not listening to voters, a large percentage of whom are telling him, ‘we don’t believe you can get there.’ He‘s not acknowledging this Trump trifecta of momentum," she continued.

Cupp said Democrats likely don't believe Biden can beat former President Trump in November.

ADAM SCHIFF CALLS ON BIDEN TO EXIT PRESIDENTIAL RACE AS DEM CONFIDENCE DWINDLES

Biden has reportedly gotten defensive with Democrats that have voiced concerns about his candidacy. Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer also reportedly told Biden in a "blunt one-on-one conversation" Saturday it would be best if he "bowed out of the race," according to ABC's Jonathan Karl.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Cailf., a California Senate candidate and a close ally of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, publicly called on the president to drop out of the race on Wednesday. 

Cupp also argued that it was the Republican Party that looked serious while the Democratic Party looked like it was in turmoil.

"The RNC and Republicans and Trump look disciplined and Biden’s campaign looks like a vanity project at this point. It looks unserious. Trump looks serious. We have to acknowledge the wildness of that, but they have stayed on message. They have been unified. The other side has been in chaos and turmoil," she said. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

CNN's Kate Bedingfield, who previously worked for Biden as White House communications director, said that if Democrats were to replace the president on the ticket, Vice President Harris should be the nominee. 

"If they are going to make a switch, to me Kamala Harris is the person it would need to be, that it should be. She's been a governing partner to Joe Biden, she has wide support across the Democratic Party," Bedingfield said.

The president's future has been called into question by several prominent Democrats, as well as members of the media. 

"Joe Biden has said he is running for President of the United States. Our campaign is moving forward, drawing a vision and a contrast between that of Project of 2025 and what we've seen for the past three days here in Milwaukee -- the extreme agenda of Republicans -- and that's where our focus is. There are no plans being made to replace President Biden on the ballot," Principal Deputy Campaign Manager Quentin Fulks said during a press conference on Thursday. 

A new AP-NORC survey, which was conducted July 11-15, found that 7 in 10 adults, including 65% of Democrats, say Biden should withdraw and allow his party to select a different nominee.

The same survey found that 57% of adults believe Trump should withdraw from the race and allow his party to name a replacement. But Trump is maintaining support from his party, with 73% of Republicans saying he should stay in the race.

Fox News' Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.

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GOP rep says he was assaulted by protester at Republican National Convention; CODEPINK slams 'misogyny'

Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden said on Tuesday that he was assaulted by an anti-war protester at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee — but the protester said she was shoved past by the lawmaker.

Van Orden, R-Wis., said in a statement that he was assaulted by a protester, who he identified as coming from the anti-war group CODEPINK, as he was in line to enter the GOP convention.

"While standing in line to enter an event at the RNC today, I was assaulted by what appeared to be a member of the pro-Hamas group CODEPINK. A nearby police officer witnessed this assault and I understand they have been arrested," he said.

SCALISE TO FOCUS ON TRUMP'S COMPASSION IN RNC SPEECH, SAYS ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT BROUGHT BACK 2017 ‘EMOTIONS’ 

He said that the incident appeared to be an act of political violence and said "I will never tolerate this."

"Regardless of the severity of the violence, political violence is political violence," he said.

Van Orden raised the recent assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump.

SECRET SERVICE DIRECTOR: TRUMP RALLY SHOOTER IDENTIFIED AS 'POTENTIAL PERSON OF SUSPICION'

"Republicans have been intimidated and targeted for years including the attempted assassination of President Trump and we will no longer standby and allow lawlessness," he said. There is no place for political violence in this country and I have repeatedly called for people who choose this path to be prosecuted to the greatest extent of the law."

"Nothing will change until these people are held accountable."

LIVE UPDATES: REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION 

However, CODEPINK denied Van Orden's version of events, saying that its Palestine campaign organizer was "wrongfully arrested" after Van Orden shoved past her and tried to cut in line.

"While peacefully waiting in line to enter the event, Nour, a visibly Palestinian woman, was intentionally bumped into by this bald, white member of Congress while he tried to shove past her," co-founder Medea Benjamin said. "Despite not reacting to this, Nour was falsely accused of ‘assault’ by a Texas State police officer on the scene and we are told she will be taken to a Milwaukee Police Department. No charges have been filed as of this release. Notably, two other CODEPINK staff members ahead of her in line passed through without any issues, raising concerns of racial profiling."

Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott sent over 100 law enforcement personnel to Milwaukee to help back security operations at the RNC in MIlwaukie.

Benjamin said the incident is a "microcosm of the misogyny" at the RNC that the only Palestinian in line was allegedly assaulted and later arrested.

"CODEPINK unequivocally states that no one from our organization assaulted anyone. We attended the RNC to deliver a message of peace and disarmament, adhering strictly to non-violent protest methods," the statement said.

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Rob Lowe says 'competitive' Tom Cruise knocked him out boxing: 'His eyes just went black'

Rob Lowe recalled the moment he was "completely" knocked out by "Outsiders" co-star Tom Cruise.

Lowe and Cruise first met in 1980 when they were just teens and the "Mission: Impossible" star was living with Emilio Estevez. The 18-year-old actor had just finished filming "Taps," according to Lowe.

The "Wayne's World" star explained he has a lot of "favorite" Cruise moments, but the one from the set of "The Outsiders" has always stuck with him.

"He’s so competitive that we used to box in the hallway of the hotel we were staying at during ‘Outsiders,’" Lowe said during an episode of the "The Rich Eisen Show." "So much testosterone. We’re 18-year-old guys stuck on location. So we would wear headgear, and we’d have mouthpieces in, but we would legitimately spar."

‘THE OUTSIDERS’ STARS TOM CRUISE, ROB LOWE, RALPH MACCHIO SEEN IN NEWLY RELEASED AUDITION FOOTAGE

In one particular boxing match, Cruise "completely" knocked out Lowe.

"And I just remember, Tom was jacked, and I had pipe cleaner arms," the actor recalled.

"But I hit him real clean, and I rang his bell, and the next I knew, I woke up – I was coming to, on the floor," Lowe added. "And he, like, completely knocked me out."

"His eyes just went black, but that’s the stuff we did. That’s what guys do. It's like ‘Fight Club.’"

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"The Outsiders" starred Lowe and Cruise along with Matt Dillon, Patrick Swayze, Ralph Macchio and Diane Lane. Francis Ford Coppola, the movie's director, shared footage from the film's audition process in March.

"42 years ago we cast ‘The Outsiders’ in a unique way," he wrote on Instagram.

"We had all the actors together on a soundstage and would alternate different actors reading for different roles," he continued. "It was interesting because each of them was watching their competition, so while it could’ve been a volatile situation, it turned into a very positive one."

"There emerged the natural respect and sense of colleagueship among them. The result worked beautifully and reminded me of my days as a camp counselor."

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The cast commented on the post, thanking Coppola.

"These auditions and this film experience still inform me today. Thank you, Francis (and Susie)," Macchio wrote.

"Feels like this was just yesterday!" Lowe explained. The actor previously spoke about his experience filming "The Outsiders" with Fox News Digital.

"It was my first time away from home, it was my first movie. I'll never forget it," he said. "It feels like it was four days ago, not 40 years."

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