The chilling details of an assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump have emerged, revealing that the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, had a disturbing online history. The incident occurred last weekend during a rally in Pennsylvania, where Crooks, armed with an AR-style rifle, fired several shots at Trump from a rooftop 150 meters away. Remarkably, Trump tilted his head at the exact moment, avoiding a fatal injury, though the bullet grazed his right ear. Tragically, two other people were critically injured, and one man, Corey Comperatore, died.
Crooks, a 20-year-old kitchen worker from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was shot dead by a Secret Service sniper as the incident unfolded. An investigation by the FBI revealed Crooks’ search history, which included pornography and concerning searches related to mass shooters like Ethan Crumbley and political figures such as Trump and President Joe Biden. His final online search was for pornography, which experts noted is not unusual for individuals with violent tendencies.
Crooks had a promising academic background, having graduated in 2022 with a $500 prize for math and science. However, his online activities revealed a darker side, with an eerie message posted on the gaming platform Steam before the incident: “July 13 will be my premiere, watch as it unfolds.” Despite being a registered Republican, his actions and words indicated a deep-seated intent to cause harm.
The assassination attempt has raised concerns about the accessibility of firearms and the monitoring of online behavior for potential threats. As the investigation continues, authorities are scrutinizing Crooks’ background and motives to prevent future tragedies. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of political violence and the need for vigilant security measures.
