Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old nursing home aide, was shot and killed by law enforcement after allegedly attempting to assassinate Donald Trump at an election rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Crooks, who graduated from high school in 2022, was described by his counselor as “respectful” and “quiet,” with no known political affiliations. The FBI found no threatening language on his social media and no history of mental health issues. They believe he acted alone, but his motive remains unknown.
The incident occurred when Crooks, using an AR-15-style rifle purchased by his father, fired shots from a rooftop 140 meters from the stage where Trump was speaking. The gunfire resulted in the death of a 50-year-old man, critical injuries to two others, and a gunshot that struck Trump’s ear.
Despite his young age, Crooks was a registered Republican and would have been eligible to vote in the upcoming election. Public records indicate that his father is a registered Republican and his mother a Democrat. Crooks, however, had donated to a Democratic Party cause as a 17-year-old.
While Crooks was described as intelligent and well-behaved in high school, his classmates and counselor were surprised by his actions, as he had never displayed any political leanings. They were left wondering what could have triggered such an extreme act.
Residents of Bethel Park, where Crooks lived, were equally shocked and concerned by the event. They described their community as generally peaceful and said they had never encountered gun violence or police involvement.
The FBI confirmed that Crooks’ weapon was legally purchased by his father and a suspicious device was found in his vehicle. The incident has raised questions about gun control and the need to understand the factors that can lead individuals to commit violent acts.
