Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania attended by former President Trump, resulting in injuries to Trump himself and the tragic death of rally attendee Corey Comperatore. As details emerge, authorities are piecing together the background and motivations of the shooter.
Sources familiar with the situation revealed that just hours before the shooting, Crooks’ parents contacted local law enforcement to report him missing and express concerns about his well-being. It remains unclear whether they were aware that Crooks had access to an AR-15 rifle belonging to his father. Law enforcement’s response to the parents’ report has not been disclosed.
The FBI has been actively investigating the incident, focusing on uncovering the motive behind Crooks’ actions. Authorities have thoroughly examined Crooks’ phone and social media accounts, although specific findings have not been made public.
Matthew and Mary Crooks, Thomas’ parents, are licensed professional counsellors in Pennsylvania, as indicated by state records. They recently renewed their social work licenses.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, a recent graduate of Bethel Park High School in 2022, was fatally shot by Secret Service snipers after opening fire at the rally in Butler. Described as a loner during high school, Crooks was a registered Republican who had also donated to a progressive campaign in 2021. He and his father, a registered Libertarian, were members of a local gun club, while his mother was registered as a Democrat.
Despite earning an associate degree in engineering science from Allegheny County Community College just two months before the shooting, Crooks had plans to attend Robert Morris University in the upcoming fall semester. Reports indicated he had also been accepted to the University of Pittsburgh but opted not to attend.
Crooks worked as a dietary aide at a local nursing home, where he had reportedly requested time off on the day of the shooting, citing unspecified plans.
As investigations continue into this tragic incident, authorities and the community are grappling with the complexities surrounding Thomas Matthew Crooks and the events that unfolded at the campaign rally.
