Thomas Matthew Crooks was born on September 20, 2003, in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Raised in a middle to upper-middle-class neighborhood, Crooks was the son of two licensed social workers. He attended Bethel Park High School, where he was known as an above-average student. Despite his academic achievements, Crooks was often bullied, partially due to his quiet demeanor and unique fashion choices, such as wearing camouflage hunting outfits and masks to school. He had a keen interest in chess, video games, and coding, and received a $500 'star award' from the National Math and Science Initiative in 2022.
Born | 2003-11-20 |
---|---|
Death | 2024-07-14 |
Country | United States |
Age | 20 |
Height | 178 CM |
Knows languages | english |
Occupations | criminal |
Known for | Attempt to assassinate Donald Trump |
Early Life
Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022 and subsequently earned an associate degree in engineering science from the Community College of Allegheny County in 2024. At the time of the shooting, he was employed as a dietary aide at a local nursing home.
Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump
On July 13, 2024, Crooks attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump during a political rally near Butler, Pennsylvania. Using a legally purchased AR-15-style rifle, Crooks fired at Trump from a nearby rooftop, injuring Trump and two attendees, and killing one. He was subsequently shot and killed by the United States Secret Service Counter Assault Team. The FBI is currently investigating the incident, and Crooks' motivation remains unclear.
Political Activities
Crooks was a registered Republican and had been actively registered to vote since September 2021. He participated in the 2022 midterm elections. Interestingly, at the age of 17, he made a $15 donation to the Progressive Turnout Project, a liberal voter turnout group, through ActBlue. This donation was made on the day President Joe Biden was inaugurated.
Community Perception and Background
Crooks' community perceived him as a quiet individual with no known criminal record or mental health issues. His interest in firearms was evident through his membership at a local shooting club and his attempts to join his high school’s rifle team. Despite failing to make the team due to poor aim, he maintained his interest in shooting sports.
Crooks briefly appeared in a 2023 advertisement for the investment firm BlackRock, which was later pulled following the assassination attempt. His involvement in the ad and his educational achievements painted a picture of a young man with potential, making his actions on July 13, 2024, all the more shocking to those who knew him.
Investigation and Aftermath
The FBI's investigation revealed bomb-making materials in Crooks' vehicle and home. He was wearing merchandise from the YouTube channel DemolitionRanch, known for its focus on firearms and gun culture, at the time of the shooting. The complexity of his background and the ongoing investigation leave many questions about his motives and the events leading up to the assassination attempt.
Legacy
Thomas Matthew Crooks' attempted assassination of Donald Trump has left a profound impact on the nation, highlighting issues related to political violence, mental health, and gun control. As the investigation continues, the story of Crooks serves as a grim reminder of the unpredictable nature of radicalization and the tragic consequences that can follow.
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Last update on: July 15, 2024 All visual content and information have been curated from openly referenced sources provided in the above links.