Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, has been described as a black sheep and a loner who was often bullied in school. Recently, a video has emerged providing evidence of this.
The footage, recorded a few years ago during his high school years, shows Crooks being harassed by another student in class. In the video, Crooks is seated at his desk when another student can be seen tugging at his pant leg, seemingly trying to pull him out of his seat.
Although the act appears playful, someone off-camera repeatedly tells the student to stop. It seems that Crooks himself is the one asking them to stop, later mentioning that his leg is being bothered. Laughter can be heard from other individuals present during the incident.
This scene aligns with multiple reports from Crooks’ former classmates, who describe him as an outcast frequently targeted by bullies. Reports also indicate that Crooks attempted to join his school’s rifle team but was rejected due to his poor shooting skills.
As investigations into Crooks’ background continue, more information is emerging. The video adds to the narrative of Crooks as someone who struggled with social acceptance. However, it remains unclear whether these experiences influenced his alleged actions. Federal authorities are currently investigating his motives.
There is also conflicting information regarding Crooks’ political affiliations. Although he was a registered Republican, he reportedly made a donation to a left-leaning political action committee (PAC), leaving his political stance uncertain.