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Would-be Trump killer practiced 100-yard shot day before Pennsylvania assassination attempt, FBI documents show
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old engineering student, became increasingly obsessed with guns and long-range shooting before attempting to assassinate Donald Trump in July 2024, according to newly unclassified FBI documents.
- Crooks practiced shooting regularly at local gun clubs, purchasing firearms and taking handgun courses in the months leading up to the attack, and used a pseudonym to order gun parts online.
- Described as socially withdrawn and emotionally reserved, Crooks showed a strong interest in history and politics, was critical of both major parties despite being a registered Republican, and had donated to a Democratic group.
- On July 13, 2024, Crooks fired eight shots at Trump during a campaign speech, wounding Trump in the ear before Secret Service snipers killed Crooks on a nearby rooftop.
- Prior to the attack, Crooks was a diligent student with interests in engineering and electronics, worked as a dietary aide, and had planned to continue his education at Robert Morris University.
