Thomas Matthew Crooks was an American man known for his attempted assassination of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The incident took place on July 13, 2024, at a rally near Butler, Pennsylvania, while Trump was the presumptive Republican Party nominee for the 2024 presidential election.
In this article, we will cover Thomas Matthew Crooks’ background, political activities, key events leading up to the shooting, and more details about his life.
Note: All information in this article is for educational purposes only. Details have been gathered from credible internet sources, including Wikipedia and various news sites.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, Age, Family, Biography
| Query | Answer |
|---|---|
| Name | Thomas Matthew Crooks |
| Date of Birth | September 20, 2003 |
| Age at Time of Death | 20 Years |
| Birth Place | Bethel Park, Pennsylvania |
| Date of Death | July 13, 2024 |
| Location of Incident | Butler, Pennsylvania |
| Occupation | Dietary Aide, Student |
| Education | Associate Degree in Engineering Science |
| Political Affiliation | Registered Republican (2021) |
| Parents | Not Available |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Weapon Used | AR-15–style rifle |
| Cause of Death | Shot by Secret Service Counter-Sniper |
| Parents’ Profession | Licensed Professional Counselors |
| Last Updated on | October 7, 2024 |
More Detail about Thomas Crooks
Early Life and Education
Thomas Crooks was born on September 20, 2003, in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, a small town located south of Pittsburgh. His parents both worked as licensed professional counselors, which played a role in his early upbringing. Thomas went to Bethel Park High School, where he was known for being a quiet student. He often faced bullying because of his appearance, clothing, and shy personality.
Even though he faced difficulties, Thomas was a dedicated student who did well in school. He joined the National Technical Honor Society in 2021 and graduated with high honors in 2022. Thomas tried to join the school’s rifle club, but his lack of skill made him unable to stay on the team. After high school, he went on to earn an associate degree in engineering science from the Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh.
Career and Personal Life
After completing his education, Thomas Crooks took up a job as a dietary aide at a local nursing home. According to reports from his workplace, he carried out his duties effectively without any major issues. He had also received acceptance letters from both the University of Pittsburgh and Robert Morris University, and he planned to start attending Robert Morris University in the fall of 2024.
In his personal life, Crooks had a growing interest in firearms. He was a regular visitor at a local shooting range, where he held a membership. In the weeks leading up to the shooting, he was often seen practicing his marksmanship. This activity later became a key focus in the FBI’s investigation after the attempted assassination.
The Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump
On July 13, 2024, Thomas Crooks attempted to assassinate former U.S. President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. He positioned himself on a rooftop near the venue and used an AR-15–style rifle to fire multiple shots. One of the bullets grazed Trump’s ear, and three other shots hit members of the audience—one of whom died from the injuries. Crooks was killed on the spot by a Secret Service counter-sniper, preventing any further harm. Later investigations revealed bomb-making materials in his car and home, suggesting he may have been planning more violence.
In the days leading up to the attack, Crooks had conducted several online searches regarding prominent political figures such as President Joe Biden and FBI Director Christopher Wray. Authorities also discovered searches related to famous political assassinations, including information about Lee Harvey Oswald and John F. Kennedy.
Political Activities and Views
Crooks’ political beliefs were mixed and unclear. In January 2021, at age 17, he made a $15 donation to the Progressive Turnout Project, a group aligned with the Democratic Party. Later that year, he registered as a Republican in Pennsylvania. Although it is not certain if his assassination attempt was politically driven, his social media posts showed a mix of extreme beliefs. The FBI also found online comments from Crooks that included antisemitic and anti-immigration sentiments, as well as support for political violence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was Thomas Matthew Crooks?
Thomas Matthew Crooks was a 20-year-old American man who attempted to assassinate former U.S. president Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024.
What happened during the assassination attempt?
Crooks fired shots from a rooftop near a Trump rally, injuring Trump and killing one audience member. He was shot and killed by a Secret Service counter-sniper shortly after.
What was Crooks’ motive?
Crooks’ exact motive remains unknown. The FBI is investigating his actions, but his motivations appear to be unclear, with no definitive political alignment established.
Did Crooks have any prior criminal record?
No, Crooks did not have a prior criminal record. He passed background checks for his job and had no documented history of violent behavior.
What kind of weapon did Crooks use in the attack?
Crooks used an AR-15–style rifle that had been legally transferred to him by his father in 2023. The rifle was used during the shooting at the Trump rally.
Was Crooks affiliated with any political group?
There is no clear evidence linking Crooks to any political group. He made a small donation to a Democratic voter turnout organization in 2021 but was registered as a Republican when he turned 18.
What was the outcome of the FBI investigation?
As of August 2024, the FBI investigation is ongoing. They have not determined a definitive motive for Crooks’ actions but continue to explore his political views and activities.
Conclusion
The story of Thomas Matthew Crooks is a tragic example of political violence and the consequences of radicalization. While his exact motivations remain uncertain, his actions have left a mark on U.S. political history and serve as a reminder of the dangers posed by extremism and the importance of addressing mental health issues. The ongoing FBI investigation will likely continue to provide more insights into what led to this devastating event.
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