The incident involving Thomas Matthew Crooks, who shot at former President Donald Trump during an election rally, has shed light on his background and motivations. According to his school friend Jameson Myers, Crooks was not skilled in marksmanship and was rejected from the high school's rifle team after a problematic pre-season session due to safety concerns.
Crooks attempted to join the rifle team but his poor shooting abilities led to him being asked not to return. Despite claims from a team member that Crooks wasn't fit for the team, the school district clarified that there was no record of him being on the official roster.
Described as quiet, smart, and socially reserved, Crooks was known to be a fan of "Star Wars" and was not deeply involved in politics. He was remembered by Myers as a generally nice and sweet person.
During the rally, Crooks fired from a rooftop approximately 140 meters away from where Donald Trump was speaking, grazing the former president's ear. Secret Service agents swiftly responded, fatally shooting Crooks to prevent further harm.
The incident underscores the complexities of security measures at high-profile events and raises questions about the motivations and background of the shooter.
