Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump, has been revealed as a black sheep and loner who was bullied in school. Newly surfaced video footage shows him being harassed by a fellow student in class a few years ago.
In the video, Crooks is seen sitting at his desk while another student tugs on his pant leg, attempting to pull him out of his seat. Although the interaction may appear playful, a voice off-camera can be heard repeatedly saying “stop,” suggesting that the harassment was unwelcome.
Reports from former classmates indicate that Crooks was an outcast who frequently faced bullying. In the video, Crooks himself can be heard noting that his leg is being bothered, while others in the background are laughing at the situation.
There are additional reports that Crooks tried to join his school’s rifle team but was rejected due to his poor shooting skills. This new information adds to the picture of a young man who struggled socially and faced ongoing harassment from his peers.
As investigators continue to delve into Crooks’ background, more details are emerging. The video provides a glimpse into his difficult school experience, but it remains unclear how these experiences may have influenced his actions.
One aspect of Crooks’ background that has sparked discussion is his political affiliation. Although he was a registered Republican, he also made a donation to a left-leaning political action committee, adding complexity to his political views and motivations.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to understand the factors that led Crooks to attempt such a drastic action.