The FBI revealed shocking details about the would-be presidential assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks, shedding light on his background and interests that led to the attempted attack on former President Donald Trump.
According to the agency, Crooks, 20, had a long-standing interest in science and experiments, which his family was aware of. This interest led him to make 25 gun-related purchases online and buy materials for explosives, all under aliases. On July 13, he opened fire at a rally for Trump, injuring the former president and two others while tragically killing firefighter Corey Comperatore.
Special Agent Kevin Rojek of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office stated that Crooks’ family was not concerned about the packages he was receiving, as they believed his experiments were harmless. The shooter’s primary social circle was his family, with very few friends or social interactions outside of his home.
Despite being described as highly intelligent, attending college, and holding steady employment, Crooks was considered a loner by the FBI’s behavioral analysis experts. He never sought professional help and was not on any medication.
The agency is continuing to investigate Crooks’ online activity, including searches related to power plants, mass shooting events, improvised explosive devices, and information on elected officials. The revelations have left many questioning how such a tragic event could have been prevented.
As the investigation unfolds, the public is left wondering about the warning signs that may have been missed and what could have been done to prevent such a heinous act.
