Who was Thomas Matthew Crooks, the shooter at Trump’s rally?
An undated yearbook photograph of Thomas Matthew Crooks. Obtained by CNN
The gunman who allegedly tried to assassinate former President Donald Trump was bullied in high school and didn’t fit in with other students, former classmates told CNN on Sunday.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was registered to vote as a Republican and had previously made a small contribution to a Democratic-aligned group, according to public records.
So far, investigators have found no evidence on social media or in Crooks’ other writings that might help identify a motive for the attempted murder, police officials said.
Crooks lived in Bethel Park, a Pittsburgh suburb, regarding 35 miles south of the Trump rally where authorities say he shot the former president. Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022, according to a statement, report from local media and a video of the school’s graduation ceremony.
Jason Kohler, 21, who attended the same high school, told CNN that Crooks was bullied by other students and appeared to be a loner.
Crooks had “no facial expression” as he walked through the school hallways, Kohler said. “He wasn’t part of the group, so he was always, I guess, a target.”
Another former student at the school, Sarah D’Angelo, remembered Crooks as “a quiet guy, without any obvious political or violent attitudes.” She said the only time she spoke to him was when his class was waiting for the graduation ceremony to begin.
A third classmate, who asked not to be identified, agreed that Crooks did not stand out, but said that from what she saw, he was not necessarily shy or quiet when he was among “his group of friends in high school that he was close with.”
According to a person familiar with the investigation, the weapon Crooks used in the shooting was an AR-style rifle. Law enforcement officials said the gun was traced to Crooks’ father, which helped determine the identity of the shooter, as he was not carrying identification.
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An undated yearbook photograph of Thomas Matthew Crooks. Obtained by CNN
Who Was Thomas Matthew Crooks, the Shooter at Trump’s Rally?
The alleged attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump by Thomas Matthew Crooks has sent shockwaves across the nation. While authorities are still trying to piece together a motive, details regarding the shooter’s background and past behavior have begun to emerge.
A Glimpse into Crooks’ Past
According to former classmates, Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was a relatively quiet and withdrawn student in high school. He reportedly faced bullying and struggled to fit in with other students.
Jason Kohler, a former classmate, described Crooks as a loner who “wasn’t part of the group” and often became a target for bullies. “He had no facial expression” as he walked through the hallways, Kohler recalled.
Sarah D’Angelo, another former classmate, described Crooks as “a quiet guy, without any obvious political or violent attitudes.” She said that she interacted with him very little, only during graduation when they both sat among the awaiting students.
A third unnamed former classmate also confirmed that Crooks did not stand out among his peers, but added that she saw him interacting with a group of friends in high school. “He wasn’t necessarily shy or quiet when he was among them,” she said.
Political Ties
Public records indicate that Crooks was registered to vote as a Republican, although he had previously donated a small amount to a Democratic-aligned group. These seemingly contradictory political affiliations have further fueled the mystery surrounding his motives.
The Weapon
According to sources familiar with the investigation, Crooks used an AR-style rifle in the attempted shooting. Law enforcement officials were able to trace the gun back to Crooks’ father, which proved crucial in identifying the shooter, as he was not carrying any identification at the time.
Uncertain Motive
Despite the information gathered so far, investigators have yet to discover any evidence on social media or in Crooks’ writings that might shed light on his motive for allegedly attempting to assassinate former President Trump.
A Troubled Past, A Tragic Attempt
The case of Thomas Matthew Crooks highlights the complexities and challenges of understanding the motivations behind acts of violence. While the investigation continues, the disturbing incident has raised concerns regarding mental health, social isolation, and the accessibility of firearms. The events also serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of personal safety and the unpredictable nature of human behavior.
