What We Know About the Trump Attacker

The small suburb of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, is grappling with shock after the FBI identified a local young man as the shooter who targeted Donald Trump during a campaign rally.

Incident Overview

Thomas Matthew Crooks, armed with an AR-style rifle, allegedly opened fire on the former president while he was addressing a crowd in Butler, Pennsylvania. The attack resulted in the death of one audience member and injuries to two others. Crooks, a 20-year-old kitchen worker, was shot dead by a Secret Service sniper at the scene.

Who Was Thomas Matthew Crooks?

Thomas Crooks hailed from Bethel Park, about 43 miles from the site of the attempted assassination. He graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022, earning a $500 prize for excellence in math and science. Crooks worked in the kitchen of a local nursing home, where he passed a background check without raising any concerns. He attended the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) from 2021 to 2024, graduating with high honors and an associate degree in engineering science. The college noted no disciplinary issues in his records.

Despite being a registered Republican, Crooks donated $15 to the liberal campaign group ActBlue in 2021. He was also a member of the Clairton Sportsmen's Club, which has multiple gun ranges, including a high-power rifle facility. The club's attorney condemned Crooks' act of violence.

Authorities believe the AR-style rifle used in the attack was purchased by Crooks' father. On the day of the rally, Crooks reportedly bought a box of 50 rounds of ammunition.

Motivation and Investigation

As of now, investigators have not identified a clear motive for Crooks' actions. It was discovered that he had visited the Butler County fairgrounds, the site of the attack, at least once before the assassination attempt. Crooks had also searched for symptoms of depressive disorder and images of both Donald Trump and President Joe Biden on his phone.

The FBI successfully accessed Crooks' phone and is examining digital evidence for further clues. Crooks' family is cooperating with the investigation, and more than 200 interviews have been conducted, with 14,000 images reviewed. Authorities believe Crooks acted alone but continue to investigate whether he had any accomplices at the rally.

Public Perception of Crooks

A complex and sometimes conflicting picture of Crooks has emerged. Some former classmates described him as a loner who was frequently bullied, while others remembered him as a quiet but intelligent student who was passionate about history and well-liked by teachers. Crooks was also remembered as "intelligent but a little weird" and "a nice kid who never talked poorly of anyone."

Local restaurant staff, who knew Crooks, struggled to reconcile his quiet demeanor with his violent actions. One former classmate noted that he was "terrible" at shooting and never joined the school's rifle team.

Victims of the Shooting

The shooting claimed the life of 50-year-old volunteer fire chief Corey Comperatore, who died trying to protect his family. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro hailed Comperatore as a hero. The two injured individuals, 57-year-old David Dutch and 74-year-old James Copenhaver, are in stable condition.

Details of the Attack

Donald Trump reported being grazed by a bullet that pierced his right ear, causing visible bleeding. A witness described seeing Crooks on a rooftop with a rifle before the shooting began. Videos confirmed rallygoers attempting to alert the police about the gunman. The shooting occurred from a distance of approximately 443 feet from Trump. A Secret Service sniper subsequently killed Crooks, and footage showed armed officers approaching his body on the rooftop.

The incident at the rally has significantly impacted the local community and has sparked broader discussions about security and political violence in the United States.