According to the New York Post, a former classmate of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the would-be assassin, recalled that Crooks had mocked him for supporting former President Donald Trump.
Vincent Taormina expressed that Crooks had a strong dislike for politicians, particularly displeased with the available options. He emphasized, "He just did not like politicians."
A Disturbed Background Fosters a Grim Plan
Thomas Matthew Crooks, who hailed from Bethel Park, a suburb of Pittsburgh, lived with his parents in a home adorned with MAGA signage despite the family's mixed political affiliations—his father a registered Libertarian and his mother a former Democrat. The AR-style rifle used in the attack, belonging to Crooks' father, was armed with legally acquired ammunition earlier that day.
In a tragic unfolding, Crooks, who had no previous clashes with the law and no known mental health issues, brought his calculated fury to a crowded rally. After firing at Trump, severely wounding him in the ear, Crooks' spree ended abruptly as he was shot dead by responding agents.
Political Dissent Turns Deadly
Those who knew Crooks observed a transformation over the years. Once openly critical of political figures like Trump, Hillary Clinton, and Bernie Sanders during his high school years, he had become reserved after being implicated in a school shooting threat.
His teenage arrogance in discussing politics and other subjects in which he perceived himself as an expert was well remembered by his peers.
Vincent Taormina, a former classmate, explains Crooks' disdain for different viewpoints, especially related to the 2016 presidential candidates. Taormina, who suffered derogatory remarks from Crooks for his support of Trump, depicted him as arrogant and dismissive.
Taormina stated:
When I brought up the fact that I’m Hispanic and, you know, I’m for Trump. And he said, ‘Well, you’re Hispanic, so shouldn’t you hate Trump?’” recounted Taormina. “No. He’s great. He was a great president. He [Crooks] called me stupid — or insinuated that I was stupid.
Community and Family Shocked by the Incident
The aftermath of the violence has left the community and Crooks' family in disbelief. While remaining cooperative, the family, including Crooks' older sister, has not made public statements.
The sudden violent actions by someone described as somewhat of a recluse yet academically capable, albeit smug, have fuelled discussions on indicators of potential violence.
“They were the type—and they did—make threats to shoot up our school,” added Taormina, emphasizing a past filled with alarming signs that were perhaps too easily dismissed by those around Crooks.
Taormina, reflecting on missed warnings, expressed frustration about the oversight. “Everybody, anybody who knew him, should have seen something,” Taormina told Fox. “They should have known something was up, and I know it’s kind of easy to hide, but people are going to get their affairs in order before they do something bold and this drastic, and nobody saw it?”
Conclusion
The tragic events at Butler show a young man, Thomas Matthew Crooks, who escalated from a politically discontented youth to a figure of national threat. The bystander's death and injuries to others add layers of sorrow to an already grievous act, highlighting the unpredictable nature of violence and the paramount importance of security vigilance. As the community and nation grapple with the ramifications, the role of family, society, and security in identifying and mitigating such threats remains under intense scrutiny.
