Thomas Crooks attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, with his gunshots resulting in Trump suffering a wound to the ear, the death of a bystander, and the severe wounding of two others.

Crooks, though he had no criminal record or documented mental illness, shocked the nation with his violent act, and it has now emerged that he once mocked a classmate who expressed admiration for Trump, as the New York Post reports.

Back in 2016, Crooks was known for openly mocking classmates who supported Trump. One classmate, Vincent Taormina, recalled how Crooks insinuated he was "stupid" for his political views.

"He just did not like politicians, especially with the choices that we had," Taormina said, reflecting on Crooks' disdain for the political landscape at the time.

High School Mockery and Political Discussions

In high school, Crooks often questioned his peers' political beliefs, displaying a condescending attitude. "He would just talk, talk and act like he knew everything, especially politics related, and he would say it in a tone that was like, ‘I’m better than you,’ in a type of way,” Taormina shared. This behavior set the tone for Crooks' interactions, making him a controversial figure among his classmates.

Crooks' disdain was not limited to individuals; he was vocal about his dissatisfaction with the 2016 presidential candidates. Taormina recounted a specific incident in which Crooks challenged him for being Hispanic and supporting Trump. "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?’”

The political arguments in high school were a prelude to Crooks' reclusive behavior and his alignment with a friend group suspected of threatening a school shooting. Following these threats, Crooks was absent from school for several days, and upon his return, he was noticeably quieter about politics.

The Day of the Attack

The assassination attempt occurred at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Crooks used his father’s AR-style rifle and legally purchased ammunition on the morning of the attack. He lived with his parents and older sister in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Despite the family's political diversity -- his father was a registered Libertarian, his mother a former Democrat, and MAGA signage at their home -- they have remained mostly silent but are cooperating with the investigation.

As the rally commenced, Crooks positioned himself within the crowd. When the opportunity arose, he opened fire, striking Trump in the ear and causing chaos. A bystander was killed, and two others were wounded. Secret Service snipers responded swiftly, neutralizing Crooks immediately.

The motive behind Crooks' actions remains unclear. There were no previous indicators of criminal behavior or mental illness, leaving many questions unanswered. "They should have known something was up," Taormina commented. "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?”

Community and Family Reactions

The community of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, is grappling with the shocking turn of events. Neighbors and friends of the Crooks family are in disbelief, struggling to reconcile the image of the quiet young man they knew with the would-be assassin.

Despite their cooperation with authorities, the Crooks family has largely remained out of the public eye. Their silence has only fueled speculation and concern among those who knew Thomas. The presence of MAGA signs at their home contrasts sharply with the actions of their son, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

Law enforcement continues to investigate Crooks' background, searching for any clues that might shed light on his motives. With no clear answers, the community remains on edge, wondering what might have driven a seemingly ordinary young man to commit such a heinous act.

Investigation and Speculation

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are piecing together the timeline leading up to the attack. Crooks’ purchase of ammunition on the morning of the rally suggests a level of premeditation, though the lack of a clear motive complicates the narrative.

Speculation about Crooks' mental state and potential influences continues to circulate. Friends and classmates are revisiting past interactions, searching for any signs they might have missed. "Everybody, anybody who knew him-knew him, should have seen something," Taormina emphasized, highlighting the pervasive sense of hindsight and regret among those who crossed paths with Crooks.

The national discourse has also been impacted, with discussions about political extremism and mental health coming to the forefront. The tragedy in Butler has reignited debates about gun control and security measures at public events, prompting calls for increased vigilance and preventative strategies.

Conclusion

The attempt on former President Donald Trump's life by Thomas Crooks has left many in shock and mourning. Crooks, known for his arrogance and political disdain in high school, carried out a violent act that ended with his death and left a trail of questions.

Despite his reclusive nature and the diverse political views of his family, Crooks' motives remain a mystery. As the investigation continues, the community of Bethel Park and the nation at large grapple with the implications of this tragic event.