Thomas Crooks, a resident of Bethel Park located about an hour away from the scene of the tragic shooting incident, was involved in the attempt to assassinate former US President Donald Trump. The 20-year-old allegedly attacked Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, firing shots from a rooftop approximately 140 meters from the stage. Armed with an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle purchased by his father, Crooks’ gunfire struck Trump’s right ear, resulting in fatalities and critical injuries among spectators.
Prior to these events, Crooks had attempted to join his high school’s rifle team but was rejected due to his poor marksmanship. According to reports, he missed his target by nearly 20 feet during tryouts, leading to his dismissal after the first day. Former classmates described Crooks as a “terrible shot,” with concerns raised even by the team’s coach about his behavior around firearms.
Crooks was also a member of the Clairton Sportsmen’s Club, reflecting his interest in shooting despite his lack of proficiency. Described as a quiet and respectful individual by his high school counselor, Crooks graduated in 2022 and was employed as a dietary aide at a local nursing home at the time of the shooting.
The incident has had broader implications, prompting adjustments to security measures at political events and affecting the plans of Trump’s rival and US President Joe Biden.
