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Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Pennsylvania, has been identified as a suspect in the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, who was shot in the ear at a rally in Butler. Crooks opened fire from a rooftop, also killing a spectator, before being killed by a Secret Service sniper.
Thomas Crooks’ motives remain unclear, based on information provided by authorities. Testimonies from former classmates describe him as a quiet, solitary, introverted person who did not express strong political views. Jason Kohler, a former student at the same high school, said Crooks was often the victim of harassment, especially because of his hunting attire.
Thomas Crooks grew up in an upper-middle-class neighborhood. He worked at a nursing home, and officials there said they were shocked by his involvement in the assassination attempt. Although Crooks’ electronic devices were being analyzed, investigators found no signs that he had mental health problems or a military history.
After the incident, authorities found a suspicious device in Crooks’ car, which is currently being examined by explosive device experts. The AR-style semi-automatic rifle used in the attack was legally purchased by his father. The FBI is treating this incident as attempted murder and possible domestic terrorism.
The first element of the investigation suggests that Thomas Crooks acted alone, without any apparent connection to a particular ideology. Although he is registered as a Republican voter, he donated to a group closely associated with the Democratic Party in 2021. His rarely used Discord account showed no signs of planning the event or discussing politics.
Thomas Crooks’ father spoke to CNN as he sought to understand his son’s motives before making further statements. Authorities continue to review evidence to determine if other factors or influences played a role in this tragic event. The community remains in shock as the issue of security at political events resurfaces.
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