Chilling Footage Reveals Thomas Crooks’ Deadly Obsession Before Trump Assassination Attempt
Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old who attempted to assassinate former President Donald J. Trump on July 13, 2024, left behind a trail of chilling evidence that reveals the depth of his obsession with violence. Newly surfaced footage shows Crooks dry-firing a handgun in his bedroom just days before the attack.
In the video, Crooks is seen assuming a tactical stance, aiming at a makeshift target, and repeatedly pulling the trigger. Observers note the precision in his movements, reflecting hours of preparation for a deadly purpose. The images are disturbing, showing a young man fully immersed in violent fantasy.
Investigators have since uncovered that Crooks had visited a shooting range at least 43 times between August 2023 and July 2024 to practice shooting rifles. Notably, he trained on Christmas Day 2023 and May 23, 2024, coinciding with government sessions at the same facility.
Authorities say Crooks purchased 50 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition and a ladder the day before the attack. He used the ladder to access a rooftop that overlooked the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, armed with an AR-15-style rifle.
Crooks fired eight rounds during the attack, wounding Trump and tragically killing one bystander, Corey Comperatore. Secret Service snipers responded quickly, neutralizing the threat within seconds.
Despite these actions, Crooks had no prior criminal record. Law enforcement sources describe him as a quiet, unassuming young man whose violent obsession was hidden from family and friends.
Online activity revealed an even darker side. Crooks had been researching assassinations and explosives extensively. Search terms on his devices included “How far away was Oswald from Kennedy?” and “Fertilizer bomb.”
The combination of online radicalization and unfettered access to firearms has reignited national debate over security at public events. Experts say Crooks’ case is a textbook example of how ideological obsession can evolve into violent action.
Crooks’ dry-firing videos highlight a disturbing fascination with precision and method. He repeatedly aimed at targets as if rehearsing for a real-life assassination scenario.
Commentators have highlighted these videos as a warning of the dangers facing public figures in a society where access to firearms is largely unrestricted.
In addition to weapon training, Crooks’ preparations involved strategic planning. The ladder he purchased allowed him to reach a vantage point previously unnoticed by law enforcement, demonstrating careful premeditation.
The day of the attack, Crooks positioned himself to maximize potential damage. Eight shots rang out, causing chaos at the rally and prompting immediate intervention by Secret Service agents.
Officials note that the rapid neutralization of Crooks prevented further casualties. The incident underscores both the risks faced by public officials and the preparedness of security personnel.
Despite the rapid response, the loss of one bystander is a sobering reminder of the deadly stakes involved.
Crooks’ obsession extended beyond firearms. Investigators found evidence of intensive online research into past assassinations, including that of President John F. Kennedy, showing a fixation on historical acts of violence.
The case has triggered a broader conversation on the responsibilities of social media platforms in monitoring content that could incite violence.
Authorities are calling for stronger measures to identify individuals exhibiting violent tendencies online.
Crooks’ access to firearms, coupled with his detailed preparation, has intensified discussions around gun control, security measures, and the effectiveness of preemptive intervention.
In the days leading up to the attack, Crooks’ behavior escalated. Visits to gun ranges became more frequent, and his online activity increasingly focused on assassination techniques.
Security analysts note that the sophistication of his plan reflects an alarming understanding of both weaponry and event logistics.
Many argue that the tragedy could have been prevented with stronger law enforcement awareness and better monitoring of online threats.
Many see Crooks’ actions as symptomatic of a larger cultural decay, where obsession with violence can flourish unchecked.
