Lionel Messi has helped his country Argentina to retain the Copa America title after they defeated Colombia 1-0 in the final on Monday morning.
The Inter Miami star was substituted after he injured himself while chasing the ball during the second half.
But defending champions Argentina held on and eventually grabbed the winning goal in the 112th minute through Lautaro Martínez.
More to follow…
The post Messi, Argentina win back-to-back Copa America titles appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Messi, Argentina win back-to-back Copa America titles
LG autonomy will reshape politics, governance – Senator Buba
Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Shehu Umar Buba, has commended the Supreme Court’s judgment granting financial autonomy to Local Governments in Nigeria.
He said the decision would reshape politics and governance across the country.
TVN recalls that the Apex Court decision had prevented the state governments from accessing the monthly allocations of the third tier of government.
Reacting to the judgement, the Senator, in a statement made available to journalists in Bauchi on Sunday, described it as a welcome development for many reasons.
According to him, “the judgement will be very pleasing to all supporters of democracy and proponents of effective leadership and purposeful governance at the council level.”
Buba, a former local government chairman in Toro council, added that “As the Senator representing Bauchi South and a known advocate for financial autonomy for local government councils, I believe the Supreme Court’s decision came at the right time.
“This judicial intervention allows local governments to directly receive their allocations, enabling smooth, proper, and impactful leadership to address the myriad of challenges facing our people.”
Speaking on the impact of the judgment, he stated that “I can imagine how this judgment will reshape politics and governance in our senatorial district, Bauchi State, and the entire country.
“As with any meaningful change, there is much more to be done. Political actors and other stakeholders must face this challenge head-on to ensure that the judgment brings significant improvements to the political leadership of our local councils and the lives of the electorate.”
Senator Buba also commended President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and others who took the steps leading to the historic judgment.
LG autonomy will reshape politics, governance – Senator Buba
Airtel Africa, WAPCO, Dangote Sugar top list of stocks to watch this week
Airtel Africa, WAPCO, Dangote Sugar and PRESCO topped the list of stocks to watch this week as investors battle to recover from a bruising trading session last week.
The Nigerian Equities Market dipped in four of the five trading sessions as the benchmark All-Share Index (ASI) crashed by –0.35% to close at 99,671.28 points from 100,022.03 points the previous week.
Investors lost N139.8 billion as market capitalisation fell to N56.4 trillion from N56.5 trillion the previous week triggered by losses from stocks like SEPLAT, GTCO, UBA, and TRANSCORP.
However, strong performances by stocks like Airtel Africa, WAPCO and Dangote Sugar which gained 0.14%, 0.83% and 2.72% in share prices respectively boosted the equities market and made them stocks to watch in the new week.
Kindly note that TVN Stocks To Watch is not a buy, sell or hold recommendation. It is advisable to consult your financial advisor before making any investment decision.
Airtel Africa• 2,100.00 0.00
The current share price of Airtel Africa Plc (AIRTELAFRI) is NGN 2,100.00. AIRTELAFRI closed its last trading day (Friday, July 12, 2024) at 2,100.00 NGN per share on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX). Airtel Africa began the year with a share price of 1,887.00 NGN and has since gained 11.3% on that price valuation, ranking it 56th on the NGX in terms of year-to-date performance.
Airtel Africa is the 100th most traded stock on the Nigerian Stock Exchange over the past three months (Apr 8 – Jul 12, 2024). AIRTELAFRI has traded a total volume of 5.44 million shares—in 1,506 deals—valued at NGN 11.5 billion over the period, with an average of 86,336 traded shares per session. A volume high of 1.98 million was achieved on May 17th, and a low of 63 on April 17th, for the same period.
Dangote Sugar • 41.60 0.00
The current share price of Dangote Sugar Refinery (DANGSUGAR) is NGN 41.60. DANGSUGAR closed its last trading day (Friday, July 12, 2024) at 41.60 NGN per share on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX). Dangote Sugar Refinery began the year with a share price of 57.00 NGN but has since lost 27% off that price valuation, ranking it 149th on the NGX in terms of year-to-date performance. Shareholders’ worries are compounded by the fact that DANGSUGAR has lost 11% of the stock’s value from June 11th to date.
READ ALSO:Conoil, Oando, GTCO, Zenith Bank top list of stocks to watch this week
Dangote Sugar Refinery is the 38th most traded stock on the Nigerian Stock Exchange over the past three months (Apr 8 – Jul 12, 2024). DANGSUGAR has traded a total volume of 107 million shares—in 12,682 deals—valued at NGN 4.65 billion over the period, with an average of 1.7 million traded shares per session. A volume high of 17.7 million was achieved on April 30th, and a low of 77,979 on April 23rd, for the same period.
PRESCO • 369.00 ▴ 14.80 (4.18%)
The current share price of Presco Plc (PRESCO) is NGN 369.00. PRESCO closed its last trading day (Friday, July 12, 2024) at 369.00 NGN per share on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX), recording a 4.2% gain over its previous closing price of 354.20 NGN. Presco began the year with a share price of 193.00 NGN and has since gained 91.2% on that price valuation, ranking it ninth on the NGX in terms of year-to-date performance. Shareholders can be optimistic about PRESCO knowing the stock has accrued 14% over the past four-week period—21st best on NGX.
Presco is the 79th most traded stock on the Nigerian Stock Exchange over the past three months (Apr 8 – Jul 12, 2024). PRESCO has traded a total volume of 20.9 million shares—in 5,141 deals—valued at NGN 6.08 billion over the period, with an average of 331,370 traded shares per session. A volume high of 3.09 million was achieved on May 6th, and a low of 574 on April 19th, for the same period.
WAPCO • 36.30 ▾ 0.60 (1.63%)
The current share price of Lafarge Wapco (WAPCO) is NGN 36.30. WAPCO closed its last trading day (Friday, July 12, 2024) at 36.30 NGN per share on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX), recording a 1.6% drop from its previous closing price of 36.90 NGN. Lafarge Wapco began the year with a share price of 31.50 NGN and has since gained 15.2% on that price valuation, ranking it 47th on the NGX in terms of year-to-date performance. Shareholders can be optimistic about WAPCO knowing the stock has accrued 10% over the past four-week period—33rd best on NGX.
Lafarge Wapco is the 39th most traded stock on the Nigerian Stock Exchange over the past three months (Apr 8 – Jul 12, 2024). WAPCO has traded a total volume of 107 million shares—in 6,605 deals—valued at NGN 3.71 billion over the period, with an average of 1.7 million traded shares per session. A volume high of 10 million was achieved on April 23rd, and a low of 185,830 on May 15th, for the same period.
By: Babajide Okeowo
The post Airtel Africa, WAPCO, Dangote Sugar top list of stocks to watch this week appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Trump assassination attempt: US settles difference by ballot box not bullets – Biden
The United States, US, President, Joe Biden has said Americans should resolve their political differences through the ballot box and not bullets.
Biden urged Americans not to degenerate to the level of turning politics into a killing field.
Reacting to the assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump, Biden said disagreement was part of human existence.
Posting on his X page on Monday, Biden wrote: “Disagreement is inevitable in American democracy.
“It’s a part of human nature.
“But politics must never be a literal battlefield or – God forbid – a killing field.
“We must stand for an America not of extremism and fury but of decency and grace.
“In America, we resolve our differences at the ballot box. Not with bullets.
“Jill and I extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim who was killed at Donald Trump’s rally – he was a father protecting his family from the bullets being fired.
“We’re also praying for the full recovery of those who were injured.”
Recall that 20-year-old Thomas Mathew Crooks attempted to assassinate Trump on Saturday.
The incident occurred at Butler, Pennsylvania, during Trump’s presidential campaign rally.
Trump assassination attempt: US settles difference by ballot box not bullets – Biden
Triumphs lie ahead, King Charles tells England’s team
King Charles III has urged the England team to take solace in their brilliant Euro 2024 campaign that saw them to the finals.
The monarch, in a personal message to the team, urged the Three Lions to “hold your heads high”, adding that being a finalist was a “really great achievement”.
In a letter published on X, King Charles wrote, “Although victory may have eluded you this evening, nevertheless my wife and I join all my family in urging you and your support team to hold your heads high.
“All those who have participated in sporting activities at any level will know how utterly despairing such a result can feel when the prize was so near – and will join me in sending heartfelt sympathy, even as we congratulate Spain.
“But please know that your success in reaching the European Championship final is a really great achievement in itself, and one that brings with it the pride of a nation that will continue to roar for the Three Lions today – and in the many triumphs which I have no doubt lie ahead.”
The According reports that the Spanish national team on Sunday night defeated the Three Lions of England 2-1 to lift the Euro 2024 trophy.
Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal’s 86th-minute goal secured the trophy for a record fourth time.
Nico Williams had earlier in the second half put Spain ahead in Berlin, Germany before Cole Palmer levelled for England.
Meanwhile, Marc Guehi’s effort to equalise for the Three Lions at the last minute was frustrated by Dani Olmo to finally seal the trophy for the Spanish team.
They previously won in 1964, 2008, and 2012, the last two titles coming either side of their triumph at the 2010 World Cup during the golden era of Xavi Hernandez, Xabi Alonso, and Andres Iniesta.
England’s failure to clinch the Euro 2024 Cup, they set a record as the first side ever to lose back-to-back Euros finals after they lost on penalties to Italy three years ago.
The English national team are yet to claim an international title since the 1966 World Cup victory, extending their 58-year search for success.
Hardship: Govt officials panic, police on red alert over planned nationwide protest
As hardship bites harder, some Nigerian youths plan nationwide protests beginning from August 1-10, 2024, TVN gathered.
The protest, which is currently gaining traction in the North and other parts of the country, is aimed at drawing the attention of governments at all levels to the plight of the citizens.
TVN reports that since the current administration took off in May 2023 when President Bola Tinubu announced the abolition of fuel subsidy, there has been an untoward hardship in the country.
This has led to calls for the reversal of some policies of the government believed to have birthed the hardship.
TVN recalls that angry youths and women had on February 9, 2024, taken to the streets of Minna, the Niger State capital, and Kano to protest the astronomical rise in prices of food and other essential commodities in the market.
In a similar vein, some civil society groups, including the Take It Back Movement, the Education Rights Campaign, the Coalition for Revolution and the Socialist Workers League on June 12, protested against the surging cost of living, insecurity and other challenges facing the nation.
The protesters, who stormed the streets in some Southwestern states, wielded placards that had inscriptions like: ‘President Tinubu, let the poor breathe’, ‘Payment of living wage to all Nigerian workers now, ‘End Insecurity,’ ‘Nationalise the power sector,’ and ‘Reverse Fee Hikes Now,” among others.
The planned August protest
The protest is scheduled to take place in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
While some of the organizers, particularly from the northern region, remain anonymous, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore has been campaigning for the August protest via his social media handles.
Sowore, who had led several protests in the country, said revolution would start in August, insisting that “Nothing Can Stop An Idea Whose Time Has Come” #RevolutionNOW.”
Sowore wrote: “The REVOLUTION is now knocking on our doors! #RevolutionNow. Let everyone rise all once in August 2024!
“Nothing can stop an idea whose time has come. They asked for a revolution and It is here now! @officialABAT once asked for a revolution, even @MBuhari once asked for a revolution and Nigerians now want a real revolution.
“Nothing Can Stop An Idea Whose Time Has Come” #RevolutionNOW.”
Similarly, a flyer making the rounds on social media titled: “End Bad Government in Nigeria 2024” by anonymous groups, ascribed the planned protest to 10 policies of the government, which according to them have imposed unexpected hardship on Nigerians.
Among other demands, the group urged the government to “end subsidy scam and reverse fuel price to below N300 per litter, bring tertiary education fees back to their previous rates, restore electricity tariff to affordable levels for the public, return import duties to their previous rates, publicly disclose and reduce the salaries and allowances of all Senators, House of Representative members, reform EFCC.”
Police moves to halt protest in leaked memo
The Nigeria Police Force is allegedly initiating plans to halt the planned protest.
The police, in an internal memo sighted by TVN correspondent said “some groups are mobilizing for mass protest nationwide beginning from 1 to 10 2024”.
The memo, dated July 8 and copied to zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, urged the operatives to be proactive and “mobilize well kitted and equipped personnel” ahead of the protest.
“INGENPOL directs you to be proactive, mobilize well kitted and equipped personnel, synergize with other sister agencies and the military, takeover all strategic points in your AOR, deploy undercover for intelligent gathering, disperse unlawful gatherings, be in heart-to-heart conversation with community stakeholders, no form of protest must be allowed during the period,” it said.
A popular social commentator and investigative journalist, @PIDOMNIGERIA posted the leaked memo on his verified X handle.
Efforts by TVN to reach the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi over the matter was unsuccessful as he could not take his call and failed to respond to all text messages sent to his phone.
Fear grips government officials
The planned nationwide protest has instilled fear on Nigerian public officer holders, especially lawmakers who are fidgeting over possible attack on them.
TVN reports that the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday engaged in a panic debate, expressing fear of attacks by angry Nigerians who are bedeviled by the prevailing hardship.
The lawmakers expressed fear that the angry Nigerians may resort to attack and revolt against public office holders.
The debate followed a motion, titled: “Urgent Need to address Food Insecurity and Market Exploitation of Consumables in Nigeria”, sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi Steve representing Kogi West Senatorial District and co-sponsored by Senator Ali Ndume Mohammed representing Borno South Senatorial District.
Former Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, after commending the mover of the motion submitted that Nigerians have exhausted their patience and may come after them if nothing was done in quick time due to acute hunger.
“If we don’t take immediate action, we will lose the power and our citizens under the situation of increased fuel price, increased electricity price, increased everything and we are yet to get the right measures to provide questions for our constituents.
“We wouldn’t like the kind of thing that we see in our streets and it is time that we take every possible action to get out of the arms of the government to ensure that food floods our country, the right food”, he said.
A few days earlier, former lawmaker Shehu Sani had warned the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio not to pass a route in Wuse 2, in the FCT over protesting Nigerians.
Sani said he recently encountered protesters in Wuse 2, carrying placards against ‘hunger in the land’.
The former lawmaker said some of the protesters among them recognized him and allowed him to pass.
However, Sani suggested in the post that Akpabio might not be given a free pass by the protesters. He, therefore, advised the Senate President not to go through Wuse 2.
He wrote: “I just passed a group of protesters in Wuse 2, carrying placards against ‘hunger in the land’. Some ladies among them recognized me and shouted “No be that Afro Senator be that”, I answered “yes na me the former Senator”; then they responded “Oya pass”. Make Akpabio no pass there o.
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the Labour Party, Mr Kayode Oyeniran told TVN in Abuja that “if the protest is allowed to hold, government officials may have to find where they will hide themselves.
“The truth is that Nigerians are angry. For the past few months now, there has been debates on the salaries and allowances of the Federal lawmakers.
“I don’t know how much they earn but the way it is painted in public, many Nigerians now see them as their number one enemies.
“It is my prayer that the organizers find other means of expressing their grievances. It must not always be a protest. You see what is happening in Kenya?
“Both the government and the protesters are having a bad time. Protests most times make things worse”, he said.
Oneyiran, however, stated that “sometimes you can’t blame these people. They have had enough and have been patient enough.
“Since 2023, the government has only been making promises. The Port Harcourt refinery that they said would work last year December, I don’t think it is functioning now.
“They said when the CNG vehicles are rolled out, prices of goods will crash, where are the vehicles? How long would Nigerians wait? People are suffering.
“People have come to a level where they are no longer afraid of anything. If you stay back, you may die of hunger and if you protest you may die, so they will tell you that it is better to protest and die. We have never had it like this”.
Meanwhile, in his own opinion, the President General of the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, COSEYL, Goodluck Ibem urged Nigerian youths to jettison the planned protest and channel their energy to something useful.
In a chat with TVN on Saturday, Ibem said, “Nigerian youths should redirect the energy they want to use for protest into farming and full time agriculture.
“That is the major way to end hunger and food scarcity.
“Many of our farmlands are not cultivated even when we have so many youths. They only want white collar jobs, which are not available.
“We have to remain positive here. Hunger cannot disappear if we fail to embrace farming as a culture and lifestyle. That is the bitter truth”.
Hardship: Govt officials panic, police on red alert over planned nationwide protest
Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Monday, July 15, 2024
Here are the top 10 stories making headlines across the country.
1. Court orders ex-minister, Lai Mohammed, to disclose details of agreement between FG, X, formerly Twitter
The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, in a landmark judgment, has ordered Alhaji Lai Mohammed, former Minister of Information and Culture and the ministry of information to disclose the details of the agreement between the Federal Government and X, formerly Twitter.Read more
2. Kalu urges South-East support for Tinubu’s administration at APC stakeholders’ meeting
Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, rallied support for the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, calling on the South East region to align with efforts aimed at delivering development across Nigeria.Read more
3. ‘Nigeria lacks leaders who speak truth to power’ —Obi
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, has lamented the lack of leaders who have the courage to speak truth to power.Read more
4. Buratai denounces calls for Nigeria’s division, advocates unity
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai, delivered a resolute message against those advocating for Nigeria’s division, labeling them as “dreamers” and affirming Nigeria’s enduring unity.Read more
5. Tinubu condemns attack on Trump as “distasteful”, against democratic norms
President Bola Tinubu has strongly criticized the recent assassination attempt on former United States President Donald Trump.Read more
READ ALSO:Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Sunday, July 14, 2024
6. IPOB warns S’East governors against allocating grazing reserve to Miyetti Allah
Proscribed Igbo separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has warned South-East governors against acceding to the recent demand from the Miyetti Allah group for them to be allocated grazing reserves in the region following the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development by President Bola Tinubu.Read more
7. Dangote Refinery updates stake ownership, NNPC’s share reduced to 7.2%
In a significant development for Nigeria’s energy sector, Aliko Dangote, CEO of Dangote Refinery, announced on Sunday that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has seen its stake in the refinery reduced from 20% to 7.2%.Read more
8. Tinubu’s latest policy on food importation ‘depressing’- AfDB President, Adesina
Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) has slammed the decision of the federal government to import food, describing it as depressing.Read more
9. Abia workers issue ultimatum for indefinite strike
Organised Labour in Abia State, on Sunday, issued a stern warning to the state government, declaring an impending indefinite strike if their demands are not met by July 28, 2024.Read more
10. Spain emerge Euro champions as England’s 58-yr trophy wait continues
Spain have emerged champions of the Euro 2024 after beating England 2-1 in the final on Sunday.Read more
The post Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Monday, July 15, 2024 appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Imo: Ohaji residents decry neglect, demand state of emergency on infrastructure, others
The people of Ohaji in Imo State, have decried suffering and hardship occasioned by sheer infrastructural deficiency and neglect by the State Government and oil companies despite their numerous contributions to economic and agricultural growth of the state.
They are calling on the Governor of the State, Hope Uzodinma, as a matter of urgency, to declare a State of Emergency on roads, hospitals, schools, markets, electricity, water, unemployment, among others.
Some of the residents, who spoke with our correspondent, bared their minds on the sensitive matters that bordered on the overall development of the area.
They explained that their problems were legion and could only be solved by the government which it accused of shying away from meeting those needs.
According to them, it was unbelievable that only a tiny population of their youths were gainfully employed in both, public/civil service and oil companies, frowning that the few ones that came were hijacked by some unscrupulous elements who they said did not want the general good of the people but their individual pockets.
In his words, Mazi Clems Okwu, a primary school teacher, urged the Governor to repair Umuagwo/Umuapu-Port-Harcourt Road, which he described as a death-trap to road users and residents of the areas.
He also reminded the governor to fix Avu/Obosima/Umunwaku/Adapalm-Plantation Road which is also a nightmare to users.
Okwu said that “it will be a thing of joy if the number one citizen of the State can fix highly dilapidated Roads in Ohaji/Egbema, just the same way he built Owerri/Orlu, Owerri/Okigwe Roads. What is good for the goose is also good for the gander.”
Making his own input, Mr Ifeanyi Ogidi a trader noted that “We are sociable and development-driven. We have never stopped the Government from developing our area nor the oil companies from meeting the Global Memorandum of Understanding they sealed with us at any point in time.”
He also pointed out that those speculations about the youths of the area seeking for Marching Ground Money from Contractors before allowing them to do projects in the area were falsely peddled by those who want to spread hatred against the youths.
Mr Ogidi further explained that the people of the area had discerning and accommodating spirits because of their academic exposure which was exemplified by their civility while dealing with people.
In their separate contributions, Cliff Ojika and Ezeji Nkemakolam regretted that the government had always paid deaf ears over their plights regarding welfare and social amenities but kept exploiting them economically.
They maintained that the people deserved positive development, noting that their social and economic impacts were enough for the government to think about their welfare.
“Ohaji, being one of the highest regions, where oil Is produced in Imo State should not be neglected in this manner,” Nkemakolam complained.
Imo: Ohaji residents decry neglect, demand state of emergency on infrastructure, others
Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 to win Copa America
15th July 2024
The Argentina national team on Monday morning defeated Colombia 1-0 to win record 16th Copa America title.
Details later…
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‘Cool it down’, Biden tells citizens after Trump assassination attempt
President Joe Biden sought to calm a divided nation after his rival Donald Trump survived an assassination bid, saying in a rare Oval Office address Sunday it was time to lower the temperature of America’s hostile politics.
“You know, the political record in this country has gotten very heated. It’s time to cool it down,” Biden said in the televised speech, just the third he has given from behind the historic Resolute Desk during his presidency.
As the country reeled from images of a bloodied Trump waving his fist after a gunman opened fire at a rally in Pennsylvania, Biden added that US politics “must never be a literal battlefield, a, God forbid, a killing field.”
The 81-year-old Democrat said that both sides had a responsibility to ease the situation ahead of a deeply polarized election that would now be a “time of testing” for the United States.
The short but forceful speech went without any major hitches — bar Biden twice referring to the ballot box as a “battle box” — with the aging president under close scrutiny following a disastrous debate performance against Trump recently.
Investigators said that they were still probing the motives of 20-year-old gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks, who was shot dead by snipers at the event in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday after firing multiple shots with a legally-bought semi-automatic rifle.
Trump said on social media Sunday that Americans should not allow “evil to win,” adding it was “more important than ever that we stand United.”
The 78-year-old Republican later added on social media that it was “God alone” who had saved him. Trump’s wife Melania called the shooter a “monster.”
– Security questions –
Trump was hit in the ear and left with a bloodied face by the attack, which also killed a bystander while two other people were wounded, but he managed to raise a defiant fist to the crowd as Secret Service agents bundled him away.
He landed later Sunday in Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention, where he will be anointed as the party’s presidential nominee, with supporters believing the attack will swing voters behind him in November.
The US Secret Service insisted the agency is “fully prepared” to maintain security at the huge Republican gathering, and that it was not changing its protocols even after the attempt to kill Trump.
But the agency faces searching questions about how the shooter was able to climb onto a rooftop around 150 meters (500 feet) from where Trump was speaking and fire multiple rounds.
Biden said earlier that he had a “short but good conversation” after the attack with Trump.
Investigators are now trying to figure out what drove the shooter, with the FBI saying it believed that Crooks acted alone and had no known ideology.
“We are investigating this as an assassination attempt, but also looking at it as a potential domestic terrorism act,” Robert Wells, assistant director of the FBI counterterrorism division, told reporters.
The FBI said the AR-style 556 rifle was believed to have been bought by the shooter’s father, but do not yet know how he accessed the weapon or whether he took it without his father’s knowledge.
Investigators also found a “suspicious device” in the shooter’s car.
– ‘Bullied’ –
Crooks’ former schoolmates described him as a quiet student who often came across as lonely.
“He was quiet but he was just bullied. He was bullied so much,” Jason Kohler, who said he attended the same high school as Crooks, told reporters.
Biden meanwhile praised the bystander who was killed, named as firefighter Corey Comperatore, saying he “was protecting his family from the bullets.”
The attempt on Trump’s life sent shock waves around the world, but the effects on a tight US presidential race in a deeply divided country are uncertain.
US politics have become increasingly hostile, with Trump building his image around inflammatory verbal assaults, and many Democrats expressing fury and disgust at Trump’s rise.
AFP