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The shooter has been identified in former President Donald Trump‘s assassination attempt on Saturday, July 13. FBI agents revealed that Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was the suspect in the shooting that took place at Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. One spectator was killed, and two more were injured. A bullet grazed the former president’s ear, but he’s reportedly safe and recovering.
The shooter was killed by Secret Service agents. Investigators are still trying to figure out what Crooks’ motive was, but below is everything we know about him.
Crooks Was a Registered Republican
It’s been revealed that Crooks was a registered Republican, per NBC News. Being that he was only 20, this would’ve been the first presidential election that he could’ve voted in. He did participate in the 2022 midterm elections. He did reportedly make a $15 donation to the left-leaning group the Progressive Turnout Project in 2021, following an inauguration prompt. There’s no evidence on social media yet indicating what his motive was in the shooting.
Crooks was also a member of Pittsburgh’s Clairton Sportsmen’s Club, which has various shooting ranges. The club’s president denounced the shooting in a statement. “We’re sick over this,” he said. “It’s just a terrible thing.”
He Worked as a Dietary Aid
While some details about Crooks are still being investigated, it has been revealed that he worked as a dietary aid at the Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, according to CNN. “We are shocked and saddened to learn of his involvement as Thomas Matthew Crooks performed his job without concern and his background check was clean,” the nursing home’s administrator said in a statement.
His Family Is Working With Investigators
Crooks’ parents have avoided speaking to the media since the shooting, but his father did tell CNN that he wanted to communicate with law enforcement first. Both of his parents are social workers. His father is reportedly a registered Libertarian, while his mother is registered as a Democrat. The gun that Crooks used, which was legally purchased, was traced back to his father.
What Have Former Classmates Said About Him?
While investigators have not shared any insight into Crooks, a few former classmates from high school have spoken about him. Jason Kohler said that he was “bullied so much in high school,” and described him as a “loner” to NBC News. “He wasn’t, like, with the clique, so he always had, I guess, a target on his back,” he told CNN.
Another classmate who was not named told CNN that Crooks had a circle of friends, who people knew were conservative, pointing out that some wore Trump hats. They also explained that he was bullied over his appearance. “There was definitely chatter about him just looking a little different,” they said.