Authorities seek clues, motive of Trump assassination attempt remains unclear
The 20-year-old man who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump first drew law enforcement attention at a Saturday rally when spectators observed him behaving strangely outside the campaign event. Despite a frantic search, officers could not locate him before he accessed a rooftop and began shooting.
The subsequent attack, which resulted in the death of one spectator, left investigators seeking clues to understand Thomas Matthew Crooks’ motives. The FBI is treating the incident as potential domestic terrorism, although the lack of a clear ideological motive has fueled conspiracy theories.
President Joe Biden urged the public not to make assumptions about Crooks’ motives or affiliations, emphasizing the need for a thorough and swift investigation. The FBI confirmed Crooks acted alone and had bomb-making materials in his car. Investigators have found no threatening social media posts or ideological positions that could explain his actions. During the attack, Secret Service agents quickly evacuated Trump, who was injured but in good spirits.
Two spectators were critically injured, and a former fire chief, Corey Comperatore, was killed protecting his family. Crooks’ family did not respond to media inquiries, though his father expressed confusion and awaited law enforcement discussions. The family is reportedly cooperating with investigators.
Several rallygoers reported Crooks acting suspiciously near the magnetometers. Officers were informed that Crooks was climbing a ladder, but they could not locate him before he reached the roof. Butler County Sheriff Michael Slupe recounted an officer’s encounter with Crooks on the roof. The officer retreated for safety as Crooks turned toward him, after which Crooks fired a shot at Trump. Secret Service snipers then shot Crooks.
FBI officials are examining Crooks’ background and social media activities, including his rare use of Discord, with no evidence of promoting violence. Crooks’ political leanings are unclear; he was registered as a Republican but donated to a progressive political action committee.
Crooks, a 2022 Bethel Park High School graduate, was described as a slight-built individual who wore glasses. The school district is cooperating with investigators. Crooks was bullied at school and isolated during lunch. He once tried out for the rifle team but was rejected due to poor shooting skills.
Crooks worked as a dietary aide at a nursing home, and his employer expressed shock at his involvement in the incident. A blockade was set up near Crooks’ house in a Pittsburgh suburb, with police patrolling the neighborhood.
Authorities believe Crooks used an AR-style rifle purchased by his father, but it is unclear if he had permission to use it. A video shows Crooks lying motionless on a rooftop near the rally site, wearing a T-shirt from Demolition Ranch, a popular YouTube channel featuring firearm content. The channel’s creator, Matt Carriker, did not respond to inquiries but commented on social media about Crooks’ involvement.
Overall, the investigation continues as authorities seek to understand the motives behind Crooks’ actions.