Thomas Matthew Crooks, the man who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, has been described by those who knew him as a young man deeply affected by relentless bullying and social isolation during his high school years. This paints a complex and tragic portrait of the would-be assassin.
A Life of Isolation and Bullying
Crooks, 20, graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022. According to former classmates, Crooks was a loner who endured relentless bullying throughout his school years. He was “relentlessly” bullied, said Jason Kohler, a former classmate who spoke to KDKA. Kohler remembered Crooks as a solitary figure, often seen wearing hunting outfits to class, an unusual attire that further set him apart from his peers.
Photos from his high school years show a young man trying to navigate a hostile social environment. In one image, Crooks sits alone at a desk, wearing a Bethel Park sweatshirt, embodying the isolation he experienced. In another, he offers a thumbs up while a classmate takes a selfie on a school bus, a rare moment of interaction.
A Shifting Political Identity
Crooks’ political views appeared to be as conflicted as his social experiences. He made a $15 donation to the liberal ActBlue political action committee on President Joe Biden’s Inauguration Day in 2021. However, he registered as a Republican when he turned 18 later that year. “He didn’t seem like really weird or anything. I would have pegged him as a Republican,” a former classmate told The Post. This complexity in his political affiliations added another layer to his troubled persona.
The Unseen Struggles
Despite his social struggles, Crooks had a few friends and was known to play video games during homeroom periods. “He didn’t have a full friend group,” recalled Sarah D’Angelo, another Bethel Park High graduate. Video evidence confirms he was present at his graduation, where he also received a $500 National Math and Science Initiative Star Award, highlighting his academic abilities despite his social difficulties.
The Fateful Day
On the day of the shooting, Crooks was dressed in all gray as he scaled the roof of a manufacturing plant approximately 130 yards from the rally site. Armed with an AK-style rifle purchased by his father, Crooks opened fire, killing former volunteer fire chief Corey Comperatore and critically wounding two other attendees. Trump narrowly escaped with a grazed ear. Crooks was subsequently shot dead by the Secret Service, ending a violent episode that left many questions unanswered.
A Troubled Path
Authorities are still investigating the motive behind Crooks’ actions. Explosive devices were found in his car, parked near the rally grounds, adding a chilling dimension to the attack. Crooks’ father, Matthew Crooks, expressed his bewilderment and grief, stating he needed to “figure out what the hell is going on.”
Conclusion
The tragic story of Crooks is a stark reminder of the profound impact that bullying and social isolation can have on individuals. While the reasons behind his violent actions remain unclear, his life story highlights the urgent need for empathy, support, and intervention for those who are bullied and ostracised. Crooks’ descent into violence underscores the potential consequences of a society that fails to address the needs of its most vulnerable members.
