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'Thomas Matthew Crooks was rejected by shooting club for being ‘comically bad’ shot'

'Thomas Matthew Crooks was rejected by shooting club for being ‘comically bad’ shot'

TOI World Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Jul 15, 2024, 09:43 IST

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The 20-year-old man who tried to assassinate former President Donald Trump first came to law enforcement’s attention at Saturday's rally when spectators noticed him acting strangely outside the campaign event. The tip sparked a frantic search but officers were unable to find him before he managed to get on a roof, where he opened fire. In the wake of the shooting that killed one spectator, investigators were hunting for any clues about what may have drove Thomas Matthew Crooks to carry out the shocking attack.

'Thomas Matthew Crooks was rejected by shooting club for being ‘comically bad’ shot'

The FBI said it believes Crooks, who had bomb-making materials in the car he drove to the rally, acted alone.

A Pennsylvania rally for former President Donald Trump was abruptly disrupted by a shooting incident, marking a shocking attempt on Trump's life. As Trump addressed a large crowd, a barrage of gunfire erupted, causing widespread panic and prompting an immediate response from security personnel.
Driving the news

Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Pennsylvania, attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a rally on Saturday.
Crooks, armed with an AR-style rifle, grazed Trump and fatally wounded a Trump supporter before being killed by Secret Service agents at the Butler Farm Show grounds.
Crooks fired from a rooftop 150 yards from the stage where Trump was speaking. His AR-15-style rifle, purchased by his father, resulted in the death of a 50-year-old man and critically wounded two other spectators. The incident has further inflamed the political divide in the US.

Why it matters

What sets Crooks apart from other recent shooters who have targeted schools, churches, malls, and parades is that he came within inches of assassinating a presidential candidate.
The assassination attempt underscores ongoing security concerns for political figures, especially in a highly polarized environment.
It also raises questions about how individuals with known warning signs can still pose significant threats.

Catch up quick

Crooks, a resident of Bethel Park, was a registered Republican who would have been eligible to vote in the upcoming presidential election. He worked as a dietary aide at a nursing home, where his background check had been clean.
Marcie Grimm, nursing home administrator: "We are shocked and saddened to learn of his involvement as Thomas Matthew Crooks performed his job without concern and his background check was clean."
As per a New York Post report, Crooks had a history of poor shooting skills and inappropriate behavior. He was rejected from his high school rifle team due to his poor aim and off-color jokes. Former classmates described him as a loner who often wore hunting outfits to class and made concerning comments.
Jameson Murphy, former classmate: "He was such a comically bad shot he was unable to make the team and left after the first day."
Another former classmate: "He couldn’t shoot at all. He was a terrible shot."
Explosives, including an IED, were discovered inside a car driven by Thomas Matthew Crooks, which was parked near the scene of the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, sources confirmed to Fox News.
While the sources did not specify the number or types of explosives, they emphasized that multiple devices were found.
Additionally, law enforcement found bomb-making materials at Crooks' residence, according to the sources.

What they're saying

Crooks' high school counselor and classmates were surprised by his actions, noting he showed no particular interest in politics and had never been disciplined in school.
High school counselor Jim Knapp: Crooks was "quiet as a churchmouse," "respectful," and kept to himself.
Unnamed classmate: "He was super smart. That's what really kind of threw me off was, this was, like, a really, really smart kid, like he excelled. Nothing crazy ever came up in any conversation."

What next

The FBI is investigating the incident as a potential act of domestic terrorism.
Authorities are piecing together Crooks' background and motivations, as well as examining security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The FBI confirmed that Crooks acted alone and are continuing to investigate his social media and personal history for further clues.
Crooks' social media profile does not contain threatening language, nor have they found any history of mental health issues, the FBI said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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About the Author

TOI World Desk

At TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.

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