Trump supporter excluded from school rifle team due to poor shooting skills

Thomas Matthew Crooks has been identified as the gunman in the attempt to assassinate Donald Trump at a campaign rally on Saturday evening.

Known as an “outcast” who often wore hunting outfits to school, Crooks resided in a wealthy city located an hour away from the rally site.

Read more: Trump arrives for Republican National Convention after assassination attempt

Authorities discovered bomb-making materials in a vehicle at Crooks’ residence.

Who was the gunman?

The FBI identified him as Thomas Matthew Crooks approximately seven hours after the shooting.

Law enforcement stated that Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, registered as a Republican voter but also donated $15 to a progressive political action committee on the day Biden took office in 2021.

The rally took place in Butler, about an hour’s drive north of Pittsburgh, where Crooks lived.

A former classmate described Crooks as a “loner” who faced bullying in high school and was often ridiculed for his hunting attire.

Despite trying out for the school rifle team, Crooks was rejected due to poor shooting skills, according to a current team captain.

Crooks’ peers remembered him as reserved and quiet, with little involvement in politics or social media.

Upon learning of Crooks’ identity as the gunman, his acquaintances expressed shock and disbelief.

Crooks’ father expressed confusion and reluctance to speak to the media until consulting with law enforcement about the incident.

Using a rifle believed to be purchased by his father, Crooks’ motive and permission to access the firearm remain under investigation.

Crooks’ workplace, a nursing home, stated they were shocked by his involvement as he had a clean background check when hired.

Despite his involvement in the shooting, Crooks previously received an academic award upon high school graduation.

Demolition Ranch

Crooks was seen wearing merchandise related to a popular YouTube channel focused on firearms during the attack, adding to the mystery surrounding his actions.

Following speculation online, the founder of Demolition Ranch shared his astonishment at being linked to the shooter, with news outlets reaching out for information.

Known for its firearm content, Demolition Ranch has a large following on YouTube.

Authorities are not ruling out the possibility of additional attackers, categorizing the incident as potential domestic terrorism.

Furthermore, law enforcement mentioned the presence of suspicious packages in the vicinity of the gunman during a press conference on Sunday.

Following the attack, a body alongside a rifle was visible on a nearby building’s rooftop, visible to the public.

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