A lone gunman in a black outfit perched on a rooftop, viewed from a low angle against a clear sky, with a red political rally banner visible in the blurred background.
A lone gunman in a black outfit perched on a rooftop, viewed from a low angle against a clear sky, with a red political rally banner visible in the blurred background.

Thomas Matthew Crooks

Background and Personal History

Thomas Matthew Crooks was a 20-year-old resident of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022 and subsequently earned an associate degree in engineering science from the Community College of Allegheny County. At the time of the incident, Crooks worked as a dietary aide at a local nursing home, where his background check had shown no concerns.

The Assassination Attempt

On July 13, 2024, Crooks attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania. Positioned on a rooftop approximately 130 yards from the stage, Crooks fired multiple shots from an AR-15-style rifle. One bullet grazed Trump's right ear, while another fatally wounded 50-year-old rally attendee Corey Comperatore. Two other attendees sustained critical injuries during the incident.

Weapon Acquisition and Investigation

Investigations revealed that the rifle used in the attack had been legally obtained by Crooks. The weapon was originally purchased by his father in 2013 and was transferred to Crooks in 2023. Authorities discovered bomb-making materials in both his vehicle and residence, along with a remote detonator found on his body at the scene.

Law Enforcement Response and Aftermath

During the attack, Crooks was killed by a Secret Service counter-sniper. Despite extensive investigations by multiple agencies, authorities have not identified a clear motive or ideological affiliation for Crooks' actions. The FBI continues to investigate the incident, focusing on his background and potential motivations.

Social Media Impact

In the aftermath of the shooting, numerous fake social media accounts impersonating Crooks emerged across various platforms. Some of these accounts attempted to solicit donations or spread misinformation. Social media companies, including Instagram, have been actively removing these fraudulent accounts to prevent the dissemination of false information.

Family Cooperation

Crooks' parents have fully cooperated with law enforcement authorities throughout the investigation. As of November 2025, legal experts indicate that his parents are not expected to face criminal charges related to the incident.

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