Thomas Crooks, the 20-year-old man who attempted to assassinate former President Trump, has left many puzzled as investigators search for a motive behind his actions. Thomas’ former classmates have come forward to share their perspectives on the quiet and reserved individual they once knew.
Thomas Crooks, a resident of Pennsylvania, graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022. A video of the graduation ceremony shows that few people clapped when he received his diploma. Former peers have described Thomas as a loner who kept to himself. Jason Kohler, a classmate of Thomas, referred to him as an “outcast” who was often alone and faced bullying on a daily basis.
Classmates recall Thomas sitting alone during lunchtime and being mocked for his choice of clothing, which often included hunting outfits. Despite his quiet demeanor, he never outwardly expressed his political views or demonstrated any hostility towards Trump. Thomas’ classmates have expressed shock and disbelief at his actions, with many struggling to reconcile the quiet student they knew with the attempted assassination.
While some classmates remember Thomas as a kind and helpful individual who received a National Math & Science Initiative Star Award, others recall his conservative political views. Max R. Smith, who took an American History course with Thomas, shared that Thomas always stood his ground on the conservative side during class debates, even when the majority of the class leaned liberal.
Thomas’ employment history shows that he worked as a dietary aide at Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where he was described as a reliable and competent worker. However, Thomas’ attempt to join his school’s rifle club was met with rejection, and he was asked not to return. He was a member of the Clairton Sportsmen’s Club, which was visited by the FBI as part of their investigation into the assassination attempt.
As investigators continue to search for a motive behind Thomas Crooks’ actions, his former classmates struggle to understand how the quiet and reserved student they once knew could have carried out such a violent act. The case serves as a reminder of the complexity of human behavior and the challenges of identifying warning signs of potential violence.
