A former high school guidance counselor of the 20-year-old suspect, Thomas Matthew Crooks, paints a picture of a quiet and intelligent student, while a neighbor shares her observations of his family.
In the aftermath of the chilling attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, details are emerging about the suspect, Thomas Matthew Crooks. While the investigation continues, insights from his former high school guidance counselor and a neighbor shed light on his past and the events leading up to this alarming incident.
Jim Knapp, a retired guidance counselor from Bethel Park High School in Pennsylvania, where Crooks graduated in 2022, remembers him as a "very quiet young man" who was "intelligent" and "took AP courses, honor classes, and college prep courses." Knapp emphasized that Crooks "really went about his business" and never caused trouble or sought mental health support.
President Trump's Would-Be Assassin: Insight from Neighbors and Former Counselor
Kelly Little, a neighbor of Crooks' family in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, told Fox News Digital that she rarely encountered them despite living across the street. She described the family as "just a quiet family" who kept to themselves.
Crooks, who had just earned an engineering degree two months ago, graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022 and turned 20 this September. He had no known criminal record or traffic citations prior to the incident.
President Trump's Would-Be Assassin: Insight from Neighbors and Former Counselor
According to voting records, Crooks was a registered Republican but had only voted in the November 8, 2022, state election due to his age.
Former classmate Jason Kohler described Crooks as an "outcast" who was often alone and "bullied every day." Kohler stated that Crooks sat alone at lunchtime and was mocked for his clothing, which included "hunting outfits."
President Trump's Would-Be Assassin: Insight from Neighbors and Former Counselor
Jim Knapp expressed shock and disbelief at the news of Crooks' alleged involvement in the assassination attempt. He believes that the young man "just snapped" and that "evil is in the world and evil took him over."
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are working to determine the motive and the circumstances surrounding this alarming incident. The Secret Service has released a statement indicating that Crooks had been identified as a "potential person of suspicion" prior to the rally where the attempt occurred.
President Trump's Would-Be Assassin: Insight from Neighbors and Former Counselor
The attempted assassination has shaken the Bethel Park community, where Crooks' neighbors and former classmates are struggling to comprehend his actions. Kelly Little expressed concern for the family, stating that "they're going to need a lot of support."
While Crooks' former counselor states that he never sought mental health support, the incident raises questions about the importance of addressing mental health issues and providing support to those who may be struggling.
