Suspected Trump Gunman Posted Cryptic Online Message With Date Of Rally Shooting: What We Know About Thomas Matthew Crooks
ForbesJul 18
Report: Trump Assassin Left Online Message Before Shooting
Above: A demonstrator holds a sign of Thomas Matthew Crooks outside of a security zone checkpoint by the Fiserv Forum on July 17, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Image copyright: Jim Vondruska/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Thomas Mathew Crooks, the suspected shooter at former Pres. Donald Trump's rally, allegedly posted a threatening message on Steam, a gaming platform, days before the July 13 attack.
Crooks allegedly wrote, "July 13 will be my premiere, watch as it unfolds." Authorities are still verifying the legitimacy of the post — found after investigators reviewed his technological devices.
The Spin
Narrative A
Crooks is hard to characterize and has a minimal online footprint. His political beliefs are unclear, and there's still no definitive motive for the shooting. We may never know why he tried to assassinate the former president. There's probably no logical reason behind this illogical act.
Narrative B
The motive behind Trump's attempted assassination is very likely the exact motive behind most of the recent mass shootings and similar violent events. This is probably just another case of someone with mental health issues and personal grievances, unfortunately, having easy access to a sea of firearms drowning the United States.