The 20-year-old loner who attempted to assassinate former President Trump had an account on the encrypted Discord app, a sign that he preferred anonymous interactions to real-world relationships, experts told Fox News Digital.
A spokesperson for the platform confirmed that Thomas Matthew Crooks had an account that had been deactivated by Discord after the assassination attempt. The spokesperson stated that the account was rarely used and had no evidence of being used to plan the incident or promote violence.
Crooks had also written an ominous message on the gaming platform Steam, hinting at the upcoming event. Retired FBI agent Jim Clemente noted that Discord is popular among gamers and provides privacy and anonymity, making it attractive to individuals who feel disenfranchised.
Crooks, who was relentlessly bullied in high school, was described as a loner who preferred online interactions over real-world interactions. Former FBI profiler Mary Ellen O’Toole highlighted Crooks’ limited social media footprint and noted that he may have been a regular gamer.
The incident at the rally in Pennsylvania left former President Trump wounded and a volunteer fire chief dead. Crooks opened fire from a rooftop before being shot and killed by Secret Service agents.
The investigation into Crooks’ motives and background is ongoing, with experts suggesting that his inner turmoil and desire to make a significant impact may have driven his actions.
For more details on this developing story, stay tuned to Fox News Digital.
