New Delhi, India: The shooting incident at a Pennsylvania rally on former President Donald Trump has sparked intense speculation and conspiracy theories, fueling a global debate on social media. Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old suspect who allegedly fired shots, has raised questions about the possibility of acting alone.
Crooks, described as a nursing home aide, was swiftly apprehended after the incident that left one dead and two critically injured. The central query revolves around how he gained access to a rooftop with a direct line of sight to Trump, prompting concerns about whether he orchestrated the attack independently or had assistance.
According to media reports, the profile of Crooks offers little insight into his motivations, adding to the intrigue and speculation surrounding the event. While officials have indicated that Crooks did not exhibit threatening behavior on social media and had no documented history of mental health issues, they are yet to uncover a clear motive for the attack.
Trump Shooter Was Rejected From School’s Rifle Shooting Team
In an interview with a leading daily, the shooter’s classmate Jameson Murphy had revealed that Thomas Matthew Crooks had made an attempt to enter his high school’s rifle team but could not because of his poor shot.
Recalling an instance, his classmate said that his shot was so bad that he once missed his target by almost 20 feet. Crooks’ classmate called him a ‘comically bad shot’.
Another classmate was quoted as saying, “Crooks couldn’t shoot at all. He was a terrible shot.”
Who Was Thomas Matthew Crooks?
The 20-year-old was a resident of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania which was about 40 miles south of the Butler rally; he was also a member of the local shooting club, Clairton Sportsmen’s Club.
Crooks has used an AR-Style rifle which was recovered by the law enforcement officials from the site of shooting.
According to reports, Thomas Matthew Crooks had positioned himself almost 130 yards away from the stage where Trump was standing for the rally; he had fired gunshots from the roof.
Crooks was apparently shot in the head after he tried killing the former US president; the Security Service killed the shooter at the spot.
Security Breach Exposed
Eyewitness reports indicate that individuals outside the rally had alerted law enforcement to the gunman’s presence on a rooftop several minutes before shots were fired.
Despite clear warnings, security personnel reportedly did not take immediate action, allowing the assailant to maintain his position and carry out the attack.
“It was clear as day, we could see him crawling with a rifle on the roof,” recounted one witness, wearing a “Trump 2020” hat. “We pointed it out for several minutes, but it seemed like the authorities didn’t comprehend the urgency of the situation.”
Questions for the Secret Service
Criticism has been directed towards the Secret Service for alleged lapses in securing the rally venue. Former law enforcement officials and security experts have expressed surprise that such an attack could occur, given the usual stringent security protocols around high-profile events involving presidents or former presidents.
Jim Cavanaugh, a retired ATF special agent, commented, “Every high ground should have been secured. It’s a fundamental security failure that someone could occupy an elevated position within rifle range of the rally site.”
Conspiracy Theories Swirl: Did Thomas Matthew Crooks Act Alone at Trump Rally? world-news World News | Latest International Global World News | Todays Breaking News Headlines
