Who was Thomas Crooks? One year later, motive and missed warnings haunt Trump rally shooting
Share and Follow


NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

As the one-year mark nears since the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump, questions remain unanswered; notably, why did Thomas Matthew Crooks carry out the attack, and how did he get so close?

Despite the year’s passage, the mystery endures surrounding the 20-year-old Pennsylvania native’s motivation. Fox News Digital spoke with two former federal officials about the lingering questions.

Former FBI agent John Nantz said Crooks did not fit the profile of a politically motivated extremist.

“Crooks looked not so much like an ideologue, not so much like an individual who was being directed in some way to conduct an assassination attempt, but more like a person with anti-social issues that may have been seeking notoriety,” Nantz told Fox News Digital. 

The breakdown on July 13 led to bipartisan calls for then-USSS Director Kimberly Cheatle to resign. After her resignation, Ronald Rowe Jr., who was serving as the deputy director, was appointed as the acting director.

He held the position until Jan. 22, when Sean Curran, a veteran agent who had been part of Trump’s protective detail during the assassination attempt, was appointed as the 28th director of the USSS.

“Now, the Secret Service also has new leadership. And this is a big part of the success of the agency. You need leaders that are trusted — and as I said, that are going to make the safety and security of those they protect the priority,” Marino said. “And they have that leadership now. I’m confident in that leadership.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Indiana judge shooting: Police arrest 3 on attempted murder charges, 2 others in custody

Indiana Judge Shooting: Authorities Arrest Three on Attempted Murder Charges, Detain Two Additional Suspects

Authorities in Indiana have apprehended five individuals in connection with the shooting…
Justin Baldoni's creepy Britney Spears comment exposed in Lively texts

Justin Baldoni’s Controversial Britney Spears Remark Uncovered in Revealing Text Exchanges with Blake Lively

Blake Lively and her co-star from “It Ends With Us,” Jenny Slate,…
Prince Harry says Brits who died in Afghanistan deserve 'respect'

Prince Harry Emphasizes the Importance of Honoring British Lives Lost in Afghanistan

Prince Harry has openly criticized Donald Trump for his remarks regarding the…
Florida Highway Patrol seeks driver in hit-and-run that severely injured moped rider

Florida Highway Patrol Launches Search for Driver in Critical Hit-and-Run Incident Involving Moped Rider

“You took everything from me,” Eric Orengo expressed with anguish. “You snatched…
Border czar rips Virginia's new governor after she blocked ICE

Virginia’s New Governor Faces Sharp Criticism from Border Czar Over ICE Policy Blockade

Tom Homan, well-known as the Border Czar, recently criticized Virginia’s newly elected…
Idaho murder victims’ families file wrongful death lawsuit against Washington State University

Outrage Erupts as Crime Scene Photos Leak in Idaho Murder Case: Families Demand Justice

WARNING: Graphic Content Photos from the 2022 murder scene of four University…
Philadelphia slavery exhibits at President's House removed after Trump administration directive

Philadelphia’s President’s House Slavery Exhibits Removed Following Directive from Trump Administration

The National Park Service commenced the dismantling of a slavery memorial at…
Bridget Jones actor Donald Douglas dies aged 92 after a short illness

Farewell to a Star: Donald Douglas, 92, Bridget Jones Actor Passes After Brief Illness

Donald Douglas, renowned for his role in Bridget Jones, has passed away…