The quiet Pittsburgh suburb of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was thrust into the national spotlight after the FBI identified a young local man, Thomas Matthew Crooks, as the individual who allegedly opened fire at former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. This incident, which resulted in one fatality and two injuries, has raised numerous questions about Crooks, his motivations, and the circumstances surrounding the attack. This article compiles the information currently available about Crooks, the victims, and the ongoing investigation.
Early Life and Education of Thomas Matthew Crooks
Thomas Crooks, a 20-year-old resident of Bethel Park, resided approximately 70km (43 miles) from the location of the alleged assassination attempt. He graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022, receiving a $500 (£385) award for his achievements in mathematics and science, according to local news reports.
CBS News A close up of the face Thomas Crooks, pictured in his high school year book.
Following high school, Crooks pursued higher education at the Community College of Allegheny (CCAC), where he earned an associate degree in engineering science with high honors in 2024. CCAC confirmed that his academic record showed no disciplinary issues.
Crooks’ Employment and Affiliations
Before the incident, Crooks worked in the kitchen of a local nursing home. His employers stated that he had passed a background check and had not exhibited any concerning behavior during his employment. He was also a member of the Clairton Sportsmen’s Club, a local shooting club with facilities for various firearms, including high-powered rifles. The club’s attorney confirmed Crooks’ membership and expressed condemnation of the violent act.
Political Leanings and Donations
Voter registration records indicate that Crooks was registered as a Republican. However, reports also surfaced of a $15 donation he made to ActBlue, a liberal campaign fundraising platform, in 2021. This seemingly conflicting information adds another layer of complexity to understanding his political views.
The Alleged Attack and Weapon
Law enforcement officials believe that Crooks used an AR-style rifle in the attack, a weapon reportedly purchased by his father. It’s also reported that Crooks purchased 50 rounds of ammunition on the day of the rally.
Investigating the Motive Behind the Alleged Attack
Despite extensive investigations, authorities have yet to determine a definitive motive for the alleged attack. Investigators have revealed that Crooks had visited the Butler County fairgrounds, the site of the rally, at least once before the incident. They also discovered that he had searched online for information about symptoms of depressive disorders and images of both Donald Trump and President Joe Biden. The FBI has successfully accessed Crooks’ phone and is analyzing its contents and other digital evidence for potential clues.
Crooks’ Family and Cooperation with the Investigation
The FBI has confirmed that Crooks’ family is cooperating with the investigation. Reports suggest that his father contacted police after the shooting, but the details of that call remain unclear. The FBI has conducted over 200 interviews and reviewed 14,000 images as part of their investigation. While they believe Crooks acted alone, they continue to investigate whether he had any accomplices at the rally.
Conflicting Accounts of Crooks’ Personality
The emerging portrait of Crooks is complex and contradictory. Some former classmates described him as a loner who was often bullied and sometimes wore hunting attire to school. Others, however, remember him as a quiet, intelligent student who excelled academically and was passionate about history. Some recall him as well-liked by teachers, while others described him as “a little weird.”
AP A graduation photo of Thomas Crooks
One classmate, Jameson Myers, remembered Crooks as a “normal boy” who was not particularly popular but never bullied. Myers expressed shock at the allegations, stating he never thought Crooks capable of such violence. Another classmate, Max Smith, described Crooks as conservative, recalling a mock debate where Crooks stood his ground on conservative viewpoints despite the majority of the class leaning liberal.
The Victims of the Shooting
The shooting resulted in one fatality and two injuries. Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old volunteer fire chief, was killed while attempting to shield his family. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro lauded Comperatore as a hero. The injured individuals, 57-year-old David Dutch and 74-year-old James Copenhaver, are both Pennsylvania residents and are reported to be in stable condition.
The Distance and Eyewitness Accounts
One witness reported seeing a man, believed to be Crooks, with a rifle on a building rooftop before the shooting. This witness claimed to have alerted police to the man’s presence. Video footage appears to corroborate this account, showing attendees pointing towards the roof and shouting at police. The shooter’s position was estimated to be approximately 135 meters (443 feet) from Donald Trump. A Secret Service sniper returned fire, fatally wounding the alleged gunman.
A map showing the distance suspected gunman thomas matthew crooks shot at Trump from
Conclusion: Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Investigation
The alleged attack on Donald Trump by Thomas Matthew Crooks has left many questions unanswered. While investigators continue to piece together the events and motivations behind this incident, a clear picture of Crooks and his reasons remains elusive. The conflicting accounts of his personality, his political affiliations, and the lack of a clear motive contribute to the complexity of this case. As the investigation progresses, more information may come to light, shedding further light on this disturbing event.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the Alleged Trump Attack
Q: What was Thomas Matthew Crooks’ motive for the alleged attack?
A: As of now, investigators have not publicly identified a definitive motive.
Q: Where did Thomas Matthew Crooks get the weapon used in the alleged attack?
A: Law enforcement officials believe the AR-style rifle used was purchased by Crooks’ father.
Q: Was Thomas Matthew Crooks acting alone?
A: Police currently believe Crooks acted alone, but the investigation is ongoing to determine if he had any accomplices.
Q: What is the status of the victims of the shooting?
A: One victim, Corey Comperatore, was tragically killed. Two others, David Dutch and James Copenhaver, are in stable condition.
We encourage readers to share any relevant information or ask further questions in the comments section below.
