Federal investigators are still searching for answers as to why 20-year-old Thomas Crooks attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump. Crooks’ phone has not provided any clear explanations, so investigators are now focusing on his laptop in hopes of uncovering clues about his motive. Two days after the shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, the motive behind the assassination attempt remains elusive.
Prior to the shooting, Crooks purchased 50 rounds of ammunition and a metal ladder, which he used to climb to the roof of a factory with a clear sight-line to Trump’s podium. The AR-style assault rifle he used belonged to his father, Matthew Brian Crooks, a licensed counselor who had registered to vote as a Libertarian. Crooks’ father reported him missing to the police on Saturday, along with one of the roughly 20 guns he owned and kept in their home in Bethel Park.
Former school counselor Jim Knapp described Crooks as a quiet and respectful student who kept to himself. He did not exhibit any political leanings while in school, and Knapp had never known him to be disciplined. Crooks preferred to be a loner and would occasionally eat lunch by himself in the school cafeteria. Knapp stated that anyone could snap or have issues, but he was baffled as to what might have triggered Crooks to commit such a violent act.
Investigators were seen questioning Crooks’ parents and reaching out to neighbors on their quiet street for more information about the shooter. One neighbor mentioned that Crooks had an older sister named Katherine. Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022 and did not show any signs of political interest during his time there. Despite being a quiet and respectful student, something triggered him to drive to Butler and attempt to assassinate Trump. Knapp emphasized that it was difficult to understand what could have led Crooks to such a violent act.
The events leading up to the assassination attempt on Trump have shed some light on Crooks’ movements and actions, but the motive behind his actions still remains a mystery. As investigators continue to piece together clues, questions remain about what might have triggered Crooks to commit such a violent act. Crooks’ quiet demeanor and lack of political leanings have left those who knew him in shock over the attempted assassination, with the school counselor emphasizing that anyone could have issues that drive them to extreme actions.
The shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, has sent shockwaves through the community, as authorities work diligently to unravel the mystery behind Thomas Crooks’ attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. While information is slowly coming to light about Crooks’ movements before the shooting, the motive remains unclear. As investigators delve deeper into Crooks’ background and actions, the community and those who knew him are left searching for answers as to why a quiet and respectful young man would attempt such a violent act.
