In the aftermath of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, investigators are scrambling to understand the motivations behind the attack. The sole suspect, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was 20 years old when he opened fire on the former president at the Butler Farm Show Grounds. As authorities search for answers, those who knew Crooks best are trying to reconcile their shock with the reality of his actions.
Crooks, a 2022 high school graduate from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was killed by the Secret Service at the scene. His classmates described him as a quiet and intelligent boy who was often bullied in school. Despite his shy demeanor, Crooks excelled academically, particularly in math and science. He was also a lover of history and had a fascination with firearms.
Crooks’ fascination with firearms led him to join a local shooting club, the Clairton Sportsmen’s Club, where he was a member. Despite being asked not to return to the school’s rifle team due to his poor shooting skills, Crooks continued to pursue his passion for firearms. He even wore camouflage and hunting outfits to school, which often led to ridicule from his classmates.
Despite his troubled past, Crooks had a seemingly normal life. He graduated from the Community College of Allegheny County with an associate’s degree in engineering science and worked as a dietary aide at the Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. His colleagues described him as the “sweetest guy” who was always willing to lend a hand.
However, Crooks’ life took a dark turn when he began to wear a gray t-shirt associated with the YouTube channel DemolitionRanch, which is known for its content focused on firearms. On the day of the shooting, Crooks was wearing a similar t-shirt when he opened fire on Trump.
As investigators search for a motive, they are working to uncover any potential ties to extremist groups or foreign organizations. So far, there is no evidence to suggest that Crooks had any connections to these groups. The FBI is also scouring his phone data to try to understand what drove him to commit such a heinous act.
As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: Thomas Matthew Crooks was a complex individual with a troubled past who was driven by a fascination with firearms and a desire for attention. The FBI is working tirelessly to uncover the truth behind his motivations, but for now, the answers remain elusive.
