Trump Assassination Attempt: Who Was Thomas Matthew Crooks? 20-Year-Old Man Tagged As Trump Shooter

The recent attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has shocked the nation. The assailant, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, has raised questions about his background and motives.

Background of Thomas Matthew Crooks

Thomas Matthew Crooks, a resident of Bethel Park, a village located about 40 miles south of Butler, came into the spotlight on Saturday evening when he opened fire on Trump during an outdoor rally near Pittsburgh.

Crooks positioned himself strategically on the rooftop of a nearby manufacturing plant, approximately 130 yards away from the rally stage at Butler Farm Show grounds.

Some X users immediately started digging his background. According to State voter records, Thomas Matthew Crooks was a Republican. The parents of Trump shooter are both behavioral counselors licensed with the state of PA.

Thomas Crooks worked in a local nursing home kitchen, located just a short drive from his home, according to BBC reports. In 2021, he reportedly donated $15 to the liberal campaign group ActBlue. Crooks also held a membership at the Clairton Sportsmen's Club for at least a year.

Law enforcement officials believe the weapon used in the shooting at Donald Trump was purchased by Crooks' father, as reported by the Associated Press. Two officers, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AP that Crooks' father bought the weapon at least six months ago.

The Assassination Attempt

On the evening of the rally, Crooks fired shots, one of which grazed Trump in the right ear. The incident unfolded swiftly as Secret Service agents responded immediately, neutralizing Crooks with fatal shots from their snipers. An AR-style rifle was recovered from the rooftop after the incident.

Motive and Investigation

The motive behind Crooks' attempt on the life of the former president remains unclear. Law enforcement authorities, including the Secret Service, have launched a thorough investigation into the incident. They are scrutinizing Crooks' background, including his social media activity and personal history, to understand what led to this violent act.

The attempted assassination has sparked reactions across the political spectrum. Supporters of Trump have expressed shock and concern, while political leaders and the public are grappling with the implications of such a brazen attack on a presidential candidate.