Trump’s Alleged Assassin: National Math and Science Initiative Student with Mental Health Professional Parents, Report Says
Credit: Reuters
Late Saturday, law enforcement officials identified 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks as the gunman in the brazen assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during an outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The rally, attended by tens of thousands, was abruptly interrupted by gunfire.
In an official statement, the FBI reported that Crooks, a resident of Bethel Park, killed former fire chief Corey Comperatore and critically injured two others before U.S. Secret Service agents neutralized him. Crooks had no significant social media presence, and little is known about his life or possible motives.
Newsweek reports indicate that state records show Crooks is a registered Republican, but he reportedly made a $15 donation to ActBlue as a 17-year-old after President Joe Biden’s inauguration. Despite this detail, the FBI has not identified any ideology influencing his actions. Officials emphasized that Crooks acted alone and assured the public that there were “no public safety concerns” at this time. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to uncover a motive.
The weapon used in the attack was an “AR-style rifle purchased legally by the suspect’s father.” Crooks’ father, Matthew Cook, expressed confusion over his son’s actions and declined further comment until speaking with authorities. A “suspicious device” was also found in Crooks’ car near the scene, and bomb technicians are inspecting it.
Thomas Crooks graduated in 2022 from Bethel Park High School and received a $500 “star award” from the National Math and Science Initiative. He even appeared in a Blackrock commercial during his high school years. Former classmates described Crooks to regional reporters as a loner with few friends who were bullied. They noted that he wore a shirt from Demolition Ranch, a gun-related YouTube channel, during the attack.
Crooks had no previous criminal history or military service, according to the FBI. He worked as a dietary aide at Bethel Park Skilled Nursing Center, where the administrator noted he performed his job without incident and had a clean background check.
Robert Wells, the executive assistant director of the FBI’s National Security Branch, explained the dual focus of the investigation: “At this point [in] the investigation, it appears that he was a lone actor, but we still have more investigation to go. We are investigating this as an assassination attempt, but also as a potential domestic terrorism act.”
Trump, hit in the ear less than 10 minutes into his remarks, was swiftly escorted offstage by Secret Service agents. Blood was visible near his right ear and on his cheek, but the Trump campaign confirmed that he was “fine.”
Kevin Rojek, special agent in charge of the FBI field office in Pittsburgh, confirmed that the weapon recovered was “an AR-style 556 rifle, which was purchased legally.” He noted that officials are searching the shooter’s phone and home. According to state records, both of Crooks’ parents are mental health professionals.
