BY: CHIOMA MADONNA NDUKWU
A 20-year-old Pennsylvania man, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot dead by Secret Service snipers after attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Described by former schoolmates as a quiet loner who was frequently bullied, Crooks’ actions are being investigated by the FBI as an assassination attempt and potential domestic terrorism.
Key Points to Note:
- Crooks fired multiple shots, injuring Trump and others before being killed.
- Former classmates remember him as socially reserved and a victim of bullying.
- Crooks was made fun of for his clothing choices, often wearing hunting outfits.
- He worked at a nursing home, shocking his colleagues with his involvement in the shooting.
- Authorities found a suspicious device in Crooks’ car, which is being analyzed.
- The weapon used was an AR-style semi-automatic rifle, legally purchased by his father.
- Investigators have found no evidence of military ties or mental health issues.
- Crooks was believed to be acting alone, with no clear political ideology identified.
- He was a registered Republican but had previously donated to a Democratic PAC.
- The suspect’s father expressed confusion and is trying to understand the situation.
