Staff Reports
In a shocking incident last weekend, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks took aim at former President Donald Trump with an AR-style rifle, narrowly missing his target. The bullet grazed Trump, leading to his public appearance at the Republican National Convention with a bandaged ear. Cheers of “fight” erupted from the crowd, a sentiment mirrored by Trump himself, in the aftermath of the attack. Fortunately, the Secret Service swiftly intervened, preventing a tragedy.
Prior to this violent act that placed him in the dark annals of attempted presidential assassins in American history, Crooks was described as a quiet figure who largely flew under the radar. His former high school guidance counselor, Jim Knapp, portrayed him as a solitary individual who preferred solitude over social interactions. Despite being perceived as intelligent, Crooks chose to keep to himself, avoiding attention.
🚨🚨 NEW: Would-Be Trump Assassin's Bone-Chilling Nickname From High School Is Revealedhttps://t.co/9hISq06GVm
— JOSH DUNLAP (@JDunlap1974) July 16, 2024
Classmates of Crooks at Bethel Park High School remembered him as a reserved student who seldom participated in social activities. While some mocked him for his appearance and reserved nature, there were no indications of violent tendencies or threats. The school district confirmed Crooks graduated in 2022 but provided limited information about his academic performance.
Footage from Crooks’ school days showcased instances of classmates bothering him, highlighting a pattern of bullying directed towards him. One classmate recalled Crooks being knowledgeable in their Advanced Placement American government class but remaining private about his political affiliations. Despite his peculiarities, those who knew Crooks were taken aback by the news of his attempted assassination.
The community, including parents of students at the school, expressed shock and disbelief at Crooks’ actions, emphasizing the need for support and understanding for troubled individuals. The incident left a lasting impact on the students, underscoring the importance of addressing mental health issues and preventing bullying in schools.
