In what would go down in the history books today as the attempted assassination of former United States (US) President Donald Trump, the shooter, identified by the FBI as Thomas Matthew Crooks, left one supporter dead and two others injured at the campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
While investigation into the shooting continues, here are five key things we know about the 20-year-old:
1. High school graduate with academic distinction
Crooks graduated in 2022 from Bethel Park High School in Pennsylvania. The school is an hour away from the shooting scene, according to Pittsburgh. Additionally, Crooks received a $500 “star award” from the National Math and Science Initiative, indicating that he was an academically sound student. Videos from his graduation ceremony show him receiving his diploma to applause.
2. Registered republican with a past donation to a democratic group
Despite being a registered Republican, Crooks made a $15 donation to ActBlue in 2021. This group is a political action committee that supports left-leaning and Democratic candidates. This donation was for the Progressive Turnout Project, a national organisation focused on mobilising Democratic voters. His attempt at assassinating Donald Trump, a fellow Republican, comes as a surprise to many.
3. Local resident
Crooks lived in Bethel Park, approximately 70km (43 miles) from the site of the shooting in Butler. He lived with his parents.
4. Weapon purchased by his father
The weapon is believed to have been purchased by his father six months ago according to the Law enforcement officials. This begs the question of how Crook got a hold of the weapon and if his father was aware of his intentions.
5. Unclear motive
Finally, the FBI is currently investigating Crook’s motive for his assassination attempt on Trump. As of now, his intentions are unknown. An FBI Special Agent, Kevin Rojek stated, “We do not currently have an identified motive.”
This is the first public assassination attempt on a U.S politician since the 1981 shooting of Ronald Reagan, the 40th president.
