A dramatic turn of events shook the political landscape on Saturday evening when 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, from Pennsylvania, fired multiple shots at former President Donald Trump during a rally. This shocking incident left the former president with a grazed ear, caused one fatality among the attendees, and critically injured two others. Now, let’s dive into the details of what we know so far.
Who is the shooter at the rally?
The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the assailant. While the agency is keeping a tight lid on the specifics—a common investigative strategy—they haven’t revealed Crooks’ motive yet. Interestingly, Crooks worked at a local nursing home, where he had cleared a background check, much to the surprise and shock of his employer.
What did Thomas Crooks do at the crime scene?
Saturday’s rally erupted into chaos when Crooks took aim, grazing Trump’s upper right ear. In mere seconds, the Secret Service had Trump off the stage, but not before one attendee was killed and two others were critically injured. Secret Service agents neutralized Crooks on the spot. A suspicious device was also found in Crooks’ vehicle and defused by bomb technicians. The FBI is still examining Crooks’ rifle and cell phone to gather more evidence.
What is Crooks’ background?
Turns out, Crooks is a registered Republican; however, he once made a $15 donation to a Democratic voter turnout project in 2021. His voter registration has been active since 2021. Surprise, surprise—he had no criminal record or lawsuit history in the state or federal courts. It doesn’t end there; Crooks was seemingly an ordinary young man, born on September 20, 2003, with no alarming past.
Where did Thomas Crooks work?
Crooks held the position of a dietary aid at Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation. His job mainly involved food preparation, and his record at work was spotless. Marcie Grimm, the facility’s administrator, expressed her disbelief and sadness over Crooks’ actions. She mentioned that the company was cooperating fully with law enforcement. The facility is a part of Genesis Healthcare, and interestingly, the pay for a dietary aid in that part of Pennsylvania is around $16 an hour.
Thomas Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania
Records show that Crooks lived in a three-bedroom brick house in Bethel Park, owned by his parents Matthew and Mary Crooks since 1998. Dean Sierka, a neighbor, noted that Crooks and his family were genuine people. Dean’s daughter, Lily, also went to school with Crooks and remembered him as a quiet and shy individual. It’s hard to comprehend how someone who walked to work and kept to himself could be involved in such a violent act.
At Bethel Park High School
Thomas Crooks appeared to be an outsider throughout his school years. Jason Kohler, a high school peer, recalled Crooks being bullied daily for his camouflage outfits and quiet demeanor. Most classmates who knew Crooks were stunned by the news. Sean Eckert, another former classmate, confirmed Crooks didn’t have many friends and rarely participated in school activities. He often wore hunting clothes, leading Eckert to assume he was into hunting but otherwise, Crooks was a solitary figure.
Nursing aide turned sniper
The gaming-oriented site Discord revealed that Crooks had an account, but it found no evidence that he used it for planning the incident or promoting violence. The account hadn’t been actively used for months, and Discord assured their cooperation with law enforcement.
Where is Bethel Park, Pennsylvania?
Bethel Park—a Pittsburgh suburb with over 32,000 residents—boasts an almost idyllic setting with tree-lined streets and friendly neighborhoods. The median household income in this mostly college-educated community is upwards of $102,000. Located about 42 miles from Butler, where the Trump rally took place, Bethel Park’s serene streets turned lively overnight with law enforcement activity.
How did Crooks shoot at Trump?
Crooks had positioned himself on a rooftop over 100 yards from the rally site, using an AR-style rifle.
