Popular firearms influencer Matt Carriker recently took to YouTube to address the disturbing news that Thomas Matthew Crooks, the individual who attempted to assassinate former President Trump, was wearing a Demolition Ranch T-shirt. Carriker, who runs two firearms channels for gun enthusiasts, expressed shock and dismay at this revelation, emphasizing that his brand is much more personal to him than other mainstream brands.
In his video, which has garnered nearly 4 million views, Carriker made it clear that his channel was never intended to incite violence or hate. He stressed that regardless of political affiliations, nobody wants violence, and he certainly does not want his brand associated with such heinous acts. The Texas-based veterinarian highlighted the importance of keeping violence and hate away from his family, including his wife and children.
While Carriker typically avoids political discussions, the incident involving Crooks wearing his merchandise has unexpectedly propelled him and his business into the spotlight. He expressed his desire to prevent individuals like Crooks from associating themselves with his brand, acknowledging the unfortunate reality that they cannot control who purchases their products.
The company’s Facebook account posted a photo of a law enforcement officer standing over Crooks’ body with a bewildered caption, “What the Hell.” The image revealed the American flag and the word “DEMOLITIA” on the shooter’s T-shirt sleeve. Crooks, a 20-year-old, opened fire at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, injuring several individuals and causing chaos.
Carriker’s usual content on Demolition Ranch’s YouTube channel ranges from unconventional experiments like “Eating A Meal Cooked ONLY With A GUN!!!” to more practical tests like “Can a Spinning Propeller Stop a Bullet???” His videos aim to entertain and educate gun enthusiasts in a safe and responsible manner.
In a social media post, Carriker expressed disbelief at being associated with Crooks in news articles. He reiterated his commitment to maintaining a channel that promotes safety and responsibility around firearms, ensuring that his family and viewers are kept safe from violence and hate.
The unexpected connection between the attempted assassin and the Demolition Ranch brand serves as a reminder of the potential impact of merchandise and its unintended consequences. Carriker’s response underscores the importance of responsible branding and the need to distance oneself from individuals who promote violence and hatred.
