Who Is Thomas Crooks? From Honor Student to Gunman Who Tried to Kill Trump

Thomas Crooks was once an honor student, a promising young man with a bright future ahead of him. However, his path took a dark turn when he attempted to assassinate then-President Donald Trump in 2016.

Crooks grew up in a middle-class family in a small town in Ohio. He was a standout student in high school, excelling in academics and extracurricular activities. He was well-liked by his peers and teachers, and seemed destined for success.

However, during his senior year of high school, Crooks began to show signs of mental illness. He became withdrawn and paranoid, and his grades started to slip. He was eventually diagnosed with schizophrenia, a serious mental disorder that can cause delusions and hallucinations.

Despite his struggles, Crooks managed to graduate high school and even started college. However, his mental health continued to deteriorate, and he eventually dropped out of school. He became increasingly isolated and obsessed with conspiracy theories, including the belief that President Trump was part of a secret government plot to control the world.

In June 2016, Crooks attempted to carry out his delusional plan by bringing a gun to a Trump campaign rally. He was quickly apprehended by the Secret Service before he could harm anyone, and he was later charged with attempted assassination.

Crooks’ case garnered national attention, with many wondering how a promising young man could have descended into such a dark place. Some blamed his mental illness, while others pointed to the influence of extremist ideologies and online radicalization.

In the end, Crooks was found not guilty by reason of insanity and was committed to a psychiatric facility for treatment. His case serves as a tragic reminder of the devastating effects of mental illness and the dangers of radicalization.

Today, Thomas Crooks remains in treatment, receiving the care and support he needs to manage his illness. While his story is a cautionary tale, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for early intervention and treatment for those struggling with mental illness.