Thomas Matthew Crooks was an American who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump, the former president of the United States and presumptive Republican Party nominee for the 2024 presidential election.
Advertisement
Early Life and Education
Thomas Matthew Crooks was born on September 20, 2003, in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a middle-class neighborhood, with both parents working as licensed social workers.
Crooks attended Bethel Park High School, where he was recognized as an above-average student but was also known to be quiet and often bullied.
He had interests in chess, video games, and coding, and received a $500 award from the National Math and Science Initiative. Crooks tried out for his school’s rifle team but did not make the cut due to poor aim.
After high school, Crooks earned an associate degree in engineering science from Community College of Allegheny County just two months before the shooting.
At the time, he worked as a dietary aide at a local nursing home. He had no criminal record, and a Pentagon investigation found no military service history. However, he had previously considered military service to help pay for college.
Advertisement
Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump
On July 14, 2024, the FBI identified Crooks as the gunman who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania.
Crooks shot Trump in the upper right ear and also targeted three audience members, killing 50-year-old Corey Comperatore and critically injuring two others. The rifle used was legally purchased by Crooks’ father.
Crooks was killed by a member of the United States Secret Service Counter Assault Team. Authorities also discovered bomb-making materials in his vehicle and home. An ongoing FBI investigation is looking into his motives.
Political Activities
Crooks was a registered Republican and had been since September 2021. He voted in the 2022 midterm elections. Interestingly, on January 20, 2021, he made a $15 donation to the Progressive Turnout Project, a left-leaning voter turnout group, on the same day President Joe Biden was inaugurated.
Despite his political donations, high school classmates described him as having conservative leanings and were surprised by his actions against a conservative figure.
Leave a Reply