Thomas Matthew Crooks carried out a shooting during a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, killing one individual and critically injuring others, including former President Trump. The FBI has been reaching out to his former classmates to gather information regarding his motivations and social circle.

The FBI contacted a former classmate, Vincent Taormina, who revealed that Crooks had once confronted him over his support for former President Donald Trump and expressed a strong dislike for politicians.

According to Taormina, the FBI was particularly interested in Crooks' social circle and his reportedly negative view of prominent political figures, including Trump, Bernie Sanders, and Hillary Clinton.

FBI Questions Crooks' Classmates for Leads

Taormina disclosed that he had not maintained contact with Crooks for years and had no new information on a school shooting threat he attributed to Crooks' circle of friends. He explained that the FBI agents had primarily asked him for names and other potential leads.

"They called me… honestly just asked me for names and if I could give [them] much else," Taormina said.

Despite being questioned, Taormina believed he was a "dead end" for the FBI as he did not have any recent connection or concrete information on Crooks' activities.

Other Classmates Deny Knowledge of Threat

Jason Kohler and another classmate, Sarah D'Angelo, confirmed that they did not associate Crooks with any school shooting threat. Kohler specifically stated that he had never heard of Crooks being involved in such plans.

"No, never heard that," Kohler stated, responding to inquiries about Crooks' involvement in a school shooting threat.

Details of the Rally Shooting Unfold

On Saturday, July 13, Crooks executed a shooting during a Trump campaign rally by climbing a building and using a semiautomatic rifle. The attack resulted in the death of Corey Comperatore and critically injured David Dutch and James Copenhaver.

Former President Trump was also injured, with a bullet grazing his right ear. The incident ended when Secret Service counter-snipers neutralized Crooks, who was found dead on the rooftop where he had stationed himself.

FBI Investigates Crooks' Motives

Taormina speculated that Crooks' friends might have missed warning signs leading up to the attack. He pointed out that it’s often noticeable when someone is planning something drastic.

"Everybody, anybody who knew him-knew him, should have seen something. 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 that's bold and this drastic, and nobody saw it? And why?" Taormina asked.

The FBI is continuing its investigation into Crooks' motives by examining his digital devices and interviewing witnesses. Authorities are also analyzing physical evidence, including his laptop, cellphone, and the semiautomatic rifle used in the shooting.

Community and National Response

Community members and officials are grappling with the shock and aftermath of the rally shooting. The FBI has urged anyone with information about Crooks or the incident to come forward with any tips.

Taormina's reflections reveal a broader concern about the missed signals and the potential for such tragic events to occur seemingly without forewarning.

Authorities Seek Public Assistance

Authorities have been proactive in seeking public assistance to gather more details about the case. Those with pertinent information are encouraged to submit tips at http://tips.fbi.gov or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.

The incident has sparked extensive discussions about the influence of political animosity and the importance of vigilance in preventing such tragedies.

As the investigation continues, questions about Crooks' background, his interactions, and the potential indicators of his intentions remain at the forefront.

Conclusion

Thomas Matthew Crooks' shooting at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13 left the nation stunned, resulting in one fatality and multiple critical injuries, including former President Trump. The FBI's inquiry into Crooks' background has led them to interview former classmates, uncovering a history of political disdain and social disconnect. Despite the revelations, the investigation continues with the hope of uncovering further insights into his motivations and the events leading up to the tragic day. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the FBI through their tip line.