An official cause and manner of death has been released for Thomas Matthew Crooks, the individual who attempted to assassinate former President Trump. Crooks died of a gunshot wound to the head, with the Butler County Coroner's Office ruling his death as a homicide.
The 20-year-old fired five rounds at a Trump rally on July 13 in Butler County, ultimately nicking the former president in the ear before being 'neutralized' by authorities 26 seconds later. A post-mortem examination was conducted in Allegheny County, where Crooks resided in Bethel Park.
Despite efforts to reach out to Crooks' family for comment, his motive for the attempted assassination remains undetermined. Former classmates have begun to shed light on Crooks' character, describing him as a quiet loner.
During his high school graduation in 2022, few people applauded when Crooks received his diploma, as seen in a YouTube video of the ceremony. Some peers have labeled him as someone who was bullied and perceived as a potential threat.
However, conflicting accounts have emerged from classmates who interacted with Crooks on a more personal level. One classmate mentioned that while Crooks was reserved, he was approachable and engaged in meaningful conversations when spoken to. Described as chill and humble, Crooks had a small circle of friends who never had negative experiences with him.
Despite the shocking nature of his actions, those who knew Crooks expressed surprise and disbelief upon learning of his involvement in the assassination attempt. The investigation into his motives and background continues as authorities seek to understand the events leading up to the tragic incident.
