In a shocking turn of events, Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old nursing home aide from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, attempted to assassinate former US President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13. While Trump survived the attack, the incident claimed the life of a spectator and critically injured two others. The US Secret Service shot and killed Crooks at the scene.
Investigations into Crooks’ background have so far revealed little about his motive, leaving both law enforcement and the public puzzled. Known to his former high school classmates as a quiet and bullied individual, Crooks’ actions have sparked intense debate over his political affiliations and motivations.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, described as “quiet as a churchmouse” by his high school counselor Jim Knapp, graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022. Despite being bright and respectful, Crooks was often bullied and socially reserved. Former classmates noted his lack of interest in politics, with his focus more on building computers and playing games.
His attempt to join the school’s rifle team ended in rejection, with classmates recalling him as a “comically bad shot.” Ironically, it was this aspect that ultimately failed him in his assassination attempt on Trump.
The investigation into Crooks’ political leanings has yielded conflicting details. Though a registered Republican, he had previously made a small donation to the Democratic Party at 17 and registered to vote just after turning 18. His father, a Republican, and his mother, a Democrat, highlight the political diversity within his household.
Despite these findings, Crooks’ motivations remain unclear. His social media presence was minimal, with no evidence of threatening language or planning of violent acts. The FBI has not found any history of mental health issues, further deepening the mystery.
The residents of Bethel Park, a predominantly white suburb, are grappling with the news. Known for its blue-collar demographic, the city is now associated with an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate. Wes Morgan, a local resident, expressed shock at the incident, noting the quiet nature of their community.
Marcie Grimm, administrator of the Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center where Crooks worked, echoed these sentiments. She described Crooks as a diligent worker with a clean background check, expressing disbelief at his involvement in such a violent act.
