The 20-year-old who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump at a campaign rally was previously turned away from his high school shooting club for being a “bad shooter.”
Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was fatally shot on Saturday evening by Secret Service agents after firing at the former president from a rooftop just outside the rally’s security perimeter in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The gunman, from nearby Bethel Park, fired multiple shots toward Trump, narrowly missing his head and hitting him in the ear. Trump took cover behind the podium while security rushed to protect him. Three rally attendees were hit by bullets: Corey Comperatore, 50, a former fire chief, was killed while shielding his family; David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74, were critically injured but later stabilized in hospital.
As authorities investigate the motive behind the assassination attempt, details about Crooks’ background are emerging. Former classmates revealed that he had shown interest in firearms during high school and had tried out for the school’s rifle team.
Jameson Myers, who knew Crooks from elementary and high school, told ABC News that Crooks was asked not to return to the rifle team after preseason trials due to his poor shooting skills, which were considered dangerous.
“He didn’t just not make the team, he was asked not to come back because how bad of a shot he was, it was considered like, dangerous,” said Myers, who went to both elementary and high school with Crooks.
Another member of the rifle team, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Crooks performed poorly and wasn’t suited for the team.
Crooks graduated from high school in 2022 but continued his interest in firearms. He was a member of the Clairton Sportsmen’s Club, which includes a 200-yard rifle range, according to CNN. The club’s attorney confirmed his membership but declined further comment due to ongoing law enforcement investigations.
Investigators discovered that the AR-style rifle used in the attack had been purchased by Crooks’ father approximately six months prior. The FBI is investigating how Crooks, legally allowed to own a rifle at 20 under state law, accessed the weapon and whether he had permission from his father.
Despite his interest in guns, acquaintances of Crooks expressed surprise at his involvement in the assassination attempt, describing him as a loner who rarely discussed politics.
According to Sarah D’Angelo, a former classmate, Crooks had a small social circle and generally kept his political views private. Despite being registered as a Republican voter, records indicate he made a small donation to a Democratic-aligned organization focused on voter turnout in early 2021.
The motive for the attack remains unclear. Authorities are scrutinizing Crooks’ background and attempting to access his cellphone for more information. The FBI noted no prior law enforcement contact with Crooks and no initial signs of mental health issues.
In addition to the rifle recovered at the scene, explosive devices were found in Crooks’ car near the rally and at his residence.
Crooks’ uncle, Mark Crooks, expressed bewilderment over the attack, stating he had “no idea” why it happened.
