BlackRock, a global investment management corporation, has decided to pull an advertisement that included Thomas Matthew Crooks, the individual responsible for the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The incident took place during a rally near Pittsburgh, where Crooks shot at the former president, injuring him and tragically killing an attendee.
The ad, which aired in 2022, featured a teacher from Bethel Park High School, with Crooks briefly appearing in the background along with other unpaid students. Following the revelation of Crooks' involvement in the ad, BlackRock spokesperson announced on Sunday that the video has been removed from circulation out of respect for the victims.
The 30-second video primarily focused on showcasing a teacher at the high school, with Crooks depicted sitting in a classroom setting. The video quickly gained traction on various social media platforms, prompting BlackRock to take swift action in response to the situation.
In a statement, BlackRock expressed its condemnation of the assassination attempt on former President Trump, labeling it as abhorrent. The corporation emphasized its relief that the former president did not sustain serious injuries and extended thoughts to all the innocent bystanders and victims affected by the tragic event, particularly the individual who lost their life.
Furthermore, BlackRock's leadership team reiterated their strong stance against political violence of any nature and pledged to contribute towards fostering civility and unity within the country. The corporation's commitment to promoting a culture of respect and non-violence remains unwavering in the wake of this disturbing incident.