After the tragic event involving Thomas Matthew Crooks at Donald Trump’s campaign rally, a neighbor reached out to console Crooks’ parents, delivering a message through the media, assuring them: “It was not your fault.”
Crooks, a 20-year-old, caused harm at the rally by taking a shot at the former president, resulting in the death of one audience member and injuries to two others. He was swiftly taken down by a Secret Service sniper after the incident.
Despite the chaos, Trump displayed resilience, raising his fist and urging to “fight!” before being escorted away by the Secret Service. The dramatic incident spurred intense reactions and discussions on social media, with some of Trump’s supporters immortalizing the moment with tattoos. Analysts suggest that the incident and Trump’s response could impact his electoral prospects in the upcoming presidential elections later this year.
While calls for unity and calm have rung out from both sides of the political spectrum in the aftermath of the assassination attempt, the focus has now turned towards the shooter as the FBI delves into his background and motives.
Crooks, residing with his parents in the suburban area of Bethel Park near Pittsburgh, was involved in a shooting club and worked in a local nursing home kitchen. Reports indicate that he was a registered Republican who had donated $15 to the Democratic fundraising group ActBlue in 2021.
According to anonymous law enforcement sources speaking to The Associated Press, Crooks’ father purchased a weapon at least six months ago, leaving him bewildered. He expressed his intention to fully cooperate with law enforcement before publicly discussing his son.
Neighbors expressed shock over the proximity of the incident, with one neighbor, Cindy Angelo, extending comforting words to Crooks’ parents.
Reflecting on the tragic event, Angelo couldn’t fathom the shooter’s motives, stating, “Twenty years old. What a wasted life. For who? For what? I honestly feel if you feel that strongly about politics, get into politics and make a change.”
She empathized with the victims, Trump, and Crooks’ parents, urging them not to blame themselves for the actions of their son.
Further investigations by the FBI are underway, and the agency has urged anyone with relevant information or footage from the rally to come forward through the hotline 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips online at FBI.gov/butler.