An attempt to assassinate former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has left the nation in shock as the shooter’s motives remain unclear.
A 20-year-old man named Thomas Matthew Crooks fired at Trump and spectators, leading to one fatality and two serious injuries, before being shot by a Secret Service sniper. ABC News reported that even after over a week's worth of investigation, Crooks remains a mystery and seemingly had no online presence.
Crooks opened fire during a rally held by former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. Crooks, armed with an AR-15 style rifle, managed to shoot from about 135 meters (147 yards) away.
The assassination attempt resulted in one bullet grazing Trump's right ear—a moment Trump later referred to, stating it only missed him mortally due to his last-second head turn. Tragically, firefighter Corey Comperatore, a spectator at the rally, was killed, and two others sustained severe injuries.
Crooks was quickly neutralized within about 15 seconds by a Secret Service counter sniper, putting an end to the immediate danger.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, described by acquaintances as a reclusive individual, earned an associate’s degree in engineering science with honors from the Community College of Allegheny County this May. Despite his academic achievements, Crooks was often mocked and bullied at school, and struggled socially, according to those who knew him.
His former classmate, Liam Campbell, recalled, “He sat by himself, didn’t talk to anyone, didn’t even try to make conversation...He was an odd kid...Just a normal person who seemed like he didn’t like talking to people."
Investigators have determined that Crooks worked as a dietary aide at a nursing home and participated sporadically at the Clairton Sportsmen’s Club.
Despite Crooks' quiet demeanor, he did once attempt to join his high school rifle team but was rejected due to poor marksmanship, a surprising fact given his actions during the rally. Although a registered Republican, Crooks had previously donated $15 to a progressive political action committee on President Biden's inauguration day.
Jason Kohler, another classmate, remarked on Crooks' experiences with bullying: “He was bullied almost every day. He was just an outcast. ”
On the day preceding the attack, Crooks was seen practicing at the rifle range. He then purchased 50 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition on the day of the shooting.
The investigation into Crooks' motives has thus far yielded no clear conclusions. Despite a thorough search of his phone, computer, and extensive interviews with over 100 people, the FBI has been unable to determine what drove Crooks to carry out the attack.
Witnesses at the scene described Crooks' attire as a gray T-shirt, camo shorts, and a black belt. He was visible for at least a half-hour, wandering around before positioning himself on a roof to commence shooting.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas drew parallels to the 2017 Las Vegas shooting investigation, which similarly ended without a clear motive. He emphasized the difficulty and complexity often involved in uncovering the true reasons behind such violent acts.
The home of Thomas Matthew Crooks remains cordoned off by police, marked by yellow tape, and under constant surveillance. His actions on the day of the attack remain a focal point for investigators.
Former classmate Bill Sellitto expressed the community's shock and dismay, stating, “We know very little about him. That was a terrible, terrible thing that happened Saturday — that’s not what we’re about by any means.”
Former President Trump acknowledged how narrowly he escaped more severe injury and credited divine intervention, as echoed by Melanie Maxwell, who stated, “The hand of God protected President Trump.”
The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks has left many questions unanswered.
Despite being killed swiftly by a Secret Service counter sniper after firing two bursts, the shooter’s unclear background and motivations continue to baffle investigators.
One spectator, a firefighter, lost his life, and two others were severely injured in the attack. The aftermath sees an ongoing investigation with Crooks' home under police watch, and the nation looking for answers to understand this tragic and unsettling event.
