A former teacher of Thomas Crooks, the man who shot at former President Donald Trump, described him as a thoughtful and polite student with a promising future. Despite his academic achievements and plans to continue his education, Crooks' actions have shocked those who knew him.
In the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, details are emerging about the life and motivations of the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks. Those who knew Crooks paint a complex picture of a young man with academic promise and potential, but whose path took a tragic turn.
Crooks, 20, graduated in May from Pittsburgh's Community College of Allegheny County with an associate's degree in engineering. Former teachers described him as a bright and engaged student who excelled in his studies. One educator recalled a project where Crooks meticulously designed and 3D-printed a chess set for blind players, demonstrating his care and attention to detail.
Thomas Crooks: The Promise and Tragedy of a Would-Be Assassin
Prior to Saturday's attempted assassination, Crooks had planned to continue his education at Robert Morris University. Employees at the nursing home where he worked as a dietary aide also spoke positively of his behavior and performance.
However, classmates at Bethel Park High School recalled Crooks being bullied over his appearance, leading him to become withdrawn and isolated. School counselor Jim Knapp noticed Crooks sitting alone during lunch and would occasionally check on him, but Crooks insisted he was happy being by himself.
Thomas Crooks: The Promise and Tragedy of a Would-Be Assassin
Max Rich, a classmate, described Crooks as a "quiet kid" who primarily interacted with his small group of friends. "I was just shocked," said Rich. "I didn't really think something like that could happen from someone I knew."
While Crooks was a registered Republican, his family members held different political affiliations, with his father being a registered Libertarian and his mother a Democrat. Investigators have yet to determine a clear motive for the assassination attempt.
Thomas Crooks: The Promise and Tragedy of a Would-Be Assassin
Despite his former promise and potential, Crooks' actions have left a trail of tragedy and devastation. The killing of former firefighter Corey Comperatore, who shielded others from the gunfire, is a poignant reminder of the senseless loss that can result from such violence.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, authorities hope to shed light on the factors that led Crooks to commit such a heinous act. His former teachers, classmates, and coworkers are grappling with the dissonance between the young man they knew and the violent act he perpetrated. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the complex and unpredictable nature of human behavior.
Thomas Crooks: The Promise and Tragedy of a Would-Be Assassin
