Shooter in Trump Attack Known for Bad Aim

Thomas Matthew Crooks, the man accused by the FBI of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, was remembered by a former classmate as a “comically bad shot.” According to the New York Post, Jameson Murphy, a former classmate, recalled that during high school rifle team tryouts, Crooks consistently missed targets by a wide margin, often by as much as 20 feet. This poor performance led to his failure to secure a place on the team. Murphy’s account paints a picture of a young man who was notably inept with firearms, an ironic detail given the later accusations against him.

Another classmate, who wished to remain anonymous, noted the concerns of the rifle team coach regarding Crooks’ behavior. The coach had reportedly observed that Crooks often made crass and inappropriate jokes, which raised red flags, especially in a school environment where firearms were present. This former student emphasized that the coach had an uncanny ability to sense when someone wasn’t quite right, and Crooks had certainly triggered his suspicions.

In the early hours of Sunday morning, the FBI identified the 20-year-old Crooks as the suspected shooter in the attempted assassination of Trump. This incident is being investigated as a potential case of domestic terrorism. Initial findings from the FBI suggest that Crooks acted alone in the attack, but the investigation remains ongoing to determine if there were any co-conspirators. The authorities are meticulously following up on all leads to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the incident.

During their investigation, authorities discovered several suspicious devices in Crooks’ home and vehicle. These devices have been safely rendered by bomb technicians and are currently being evaluated at the FBI Laboratory. Despite the severity of his actions, Crooks had not been on the FBI’s radar before this incident. Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek stated that the agency has not identified any specific ideology associated with Crooks, adding another layer of complexity to the case.

Crooks was ultimately shot and killed by Secret Service agents after he fired shots at a Trump campaign event from a nearby building. The FBI confirmed that the AR-style rifle used by Crooks was legally purchased. Law enforcement officials identified Crooks using DNA and biometric information. The rapid response by the Secret Service and local law enforcement helped prevent further casualties and secured the area swiftly.

Crooks was a 2022 graduate of Bethel Park High School. He was a registered Republican with no criminal history. At graduation, he was recognized as one of 20 students to receive the National Math & Science Initiative Star Awards, highlighting his academic prowess. Despite his conservative leanings, his political involvement seemed minimal, with only a $15 donation to the Progressive Turnout Project in 2021. Crooks was employed as a dietary aide at the Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where his background check revealed no issues.

Classmates of Crooks provided mixed accounts of his high school experience. Some described him as an outcast who was frequently bullied, while others recalled him as kind and nerdy. These differing perspectives underscore the complexity of his social interactions during those years. His conservative political views were noted by peers, which has puzzled those who knew him, given the target of his attack.

The attack occurred during a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, about an hour from Crooks’ hometown of Bethel Park. As gunshots rang out, Trump ducked behind a podium and was quickly surrounded by Secret Service agents who ushered him off the stage. Trump later reported that a bullet had grazed the upper part of his right ear. The attack resulted in the death of 50-year-old Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief, and caused serious injuries to two other individuals. President Joe Biden condemned the violence and expressed relief at Trump’s safety in a public statement.

In a social media post on Sunday morning, Trump stated, “We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness. Our love goes out to the other victims and their families.” His words aimed to reassure his supporters and the public, emphasizing resilience and solidarity in the wake of the attack.