Thomas Matthew Crooks, the man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, recently graduated from community college with an engineering degree and had planned to enroll at a university this fall.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, the suspect in the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, had just earned a college degree in engineering two months ago, according to his former school.
The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) confirmed that Crooks graduated in May 2024 with an associate's degree in engineering science.
Suspect in Trump Shooting Held Degree in Engineering, Planned to Attend University
"We are shocked and saddened by the horrific turn of events that took place in Butler, Pa., on Saturday," the college said in a statement. "We are grateful that former President Trump is safe and recovering, and we extend our condolences to the family of Corey Comperatore on their loss, and offer our thoughts and prayers to all others who have been impacted by this tragedy."
After graduation, Crooks applied to the University of Pittsburgh and was accepted as a transfer student, according to college spokesperson Jared Stonesifer.
Suspect in Trump Shooting Held Degree in Engineering, Planned to Attend University
However, he ultimately planned to enroll at Robert Morris University, school spokesperson Brian Edwards confirmed.
Crooks, a 2022 graduate of Bethel Park High School, attended a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday, where he allegedly snuck onto a roof and opened fire on the former president.
Suspect in Trump Shooting Held Degree in Engineering, Planned to Attend University
Corey Comperatore, 50, was killed in the crossfire while shielding his wife and family from the gunfire. Trump and two other attendees were also injured.
Crooks was fatally shot by Secret Service agents.
Suspect in Trump Shooting Held Degree in Engineering, Planned to Attend University
The FBI is investigating the incident as an attempted assassination.
CCAC said it is fully cooperating with law enforcement and will provide any relevant information.
Suspect in Trump Shooting Held Degree in Engineering, Planned to Attend University
Classmates described Crooks as a quiet student.
"He wasn't a troublemaker or anything like that," said one former classmate. "He was just a regular guy."
Investigators are still trying to determine Crooks' motive for the shooting.
Crooks' family has not commented publicly on the incident.
