FBI releases first photo of Crooks, who shot at Trump
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has released the first photograph of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old accused of attempting to assassinate former United States President Donald Trump. The image depicts a bespectacled Crooks, a resident of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, smiling at the camera. "The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the subject involved in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13, in Butler, Pennsylvania," announced the FBI.
Crooks shot dead by Secret Service
Crooks was neutralized by Secret Service snipers after he fired multiple shots at Trump from a nearby rooftop during a campaign rally. The incident left a 50-year-old man dead, two other attendees wounded, and Trump's right ear injured. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a man moving across rooftops and lying prone with a gun aimed at the rally. An AR-15 assault rifle—legally bought by his father—was discovered near Crooks's body after he was incapacitated by agents.
'Quiet,' 'loner' student
Described as a "quiet" student and a "loner," Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022. He was the recipient of a $500 "star award" from the National Math and Science Initiative. His peers remembered him as "socially reserved" and noted that he was frequently bullied at school. After graduation, Crooks found employment at a nursing home.
Investigation continues
Following Crooks's attack on Trump, authorities discovered a "suspicious device" in his car, which is currently being examined by bomb technicians. Additionally, officials are conducting a search of his phone. The assassination attempt occurred just two days before the start of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee where Trump was scheduled to formally become the party's nominee.
FBI investigating incident as possible act of domestic terrorism
Images of Crooks' body, reviewed by news agency R, show he was wearing a T-shirt from Demolition Ranch, a popular YouTube channel known for videos featuring its creator shooting handguns and assault rifles at various targets, including human mannequins. The FBI is investigating the incident as a possible act of domestic terrorism. However, the lack of a clear ideological motive has sparked conspiracy theories. Separately, Public records indicate his father is a registered Republican and his mother a registered Democrat.
