A prominent American investment firm, BlackRock, has pulled one of its advertisements after it was discovered that Thomas Crooks, the man who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump, appeared in the ad. The incident occurred during a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13, where Trump was shot at multiple times. Fortunately, Trump survived with only a grazed ear, but the attack left two attendees critically injured and resulted in the death of 50-year-old Corey Comperatore, who died while protecting his family.
Thomas Crooks, the 20-year-old shooter, was killed by the Secret Service during the attack. Online investigations into Crooks’ background revealed that he had appeared in a 2022 BlackRock ad filmed at Bethel Park High School, where he graduated that same year. The ad featured a teacher from the school, with Crooks briefly visible among other students.
After the video went viral, BlackRock responded by pulling the ad and issuing a statement condemning the assassination attempt. The company expressed relief that Trump was not seriously injured and extended thoughts to the victims and innocent bystanders affected by the incident.
Further insights into Crooks’ past emerged from his former classmates, who described him as a passionate history enthusiast and a good student. This tragic event and its unexpected connections continue to reverberate, prompting reflections on the complexities of individuals’ backgrounds and the unforeseen paths they may take.
