A 20-year-old Pennsylvania man, Thomas Matthew Crooks, has been identified as the suspected shooter who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally over the weekend. Secret Service snipers fatally shot Crooks on Saturday after he fired multiple shots from a nearby rooftop during the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
As investigators delve into his background to understand his motives, details about Crooks are emerging:
Crooks, described by former schoolmates as “quiet” and socially reserved, was perceived as a lonely individual who did not engage in political discussions, according to ABC News. Jason Kohler, a former schoolmate, recalled Crooks as a target of bullying due to his quiet demeanor and unconventional dressing style, often wearing hunting outfits.
Dan Grzybek, a county council representative from Crooks’ hometown area, described the neighborhood as middle to upper-middle class. Crooks had been working at a nursing home, where staff expressed shock upon learning of his involvement in the shooting.
Investigators found a suspicious device in Crooks’ car following the incident, prompting examination by bomb technicians. Authorities are also analyzing suspected explosive devices recovered as evidence and are currently searching Crooks’ phone.
Kevin Rojek, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office, confirmed that the AR-style semi-automatic rifle used in the shooting was legally purchased, believed to be bought by Crooks’ father. There have been no indications of mental health issues related to Crooks, and he had no military affiliations, according to Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder.
The FBI is investigating the incident as an assassination attempt and potential domestic terrorism. They have not identified any specific ideology associated with Crooks, whose political affiliations remain unclear. Reports indicate he was a registered Republican but had also contributed to a Democratic-aligned progressive political action committee.
While a social media platform identified an account potentially linked to Crooks, it was rarely used and showed no evidence of planning the incident or promoting violence. Matthew Crooks, the suspect’s father, expressed confusion and concern over his son’s actions when speaking to CNN on Saturday.
The shooting at the Trump rally has raised questions about security protocols and the motives behind such acts of violence in political settings, underscoring ongoing concerns about domestic terrorism in the United States.
