Trump shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks’ father speaks out for first time after son tried to assassinate former president

Emily Crane

featured

Jul 23, 2024

The father of would-be Donald Trump assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks has revealed the family is just trying to “take care of ourselves” — as he stepped out in public for the first time since the shooting.

Matthew Brian Crooks, 53, made the remarks as he was spotted leaving a grocery store on Monday, Fox News reported.

The father of would-be Donald Trump assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks has revealed the family is just trying to “take care of ourselves.” REUTERS

Matthew Brian Crooks, 53, made the remarks as he was spotted leaving a grocery store on Monday, Fox News reported. Derek Shook for Fox News Digital

Thomas Matthew Crooks was identified as the shooter. REUTERS

“We just want to try to take care of ourselves right now. Please, just give us our space,” Crooks said as he loaded bag-loads of items into his car.

“We’re going to release a statement when our legal counsel advises us to do so – until then, we have no comment.”

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It marks the first time the dad has spoken out since his 20-year-old son opened fire with an AR-15 rifle during Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pa. on July 13.

The would-be assassin was shot dead by a Secret Service counter sniper just moments after he managed to clip the former president in the ear with one of his bullets.

Crooks’ father, a registered Libertarian, had legally purchased the rifle used in his son’s attack.

“We’re going to release a statement when our legal counsel advises us to do so – until then, we have no comment,” Crooks’ father said. The Washington Post via Getty Images

The family have been cooperating with authorities as they continue to probe the assassination attempt.

The feds have yet to share a motive for the attack.

Would-be Trump assassin's timeline of terror

1 of 15

shooting range — Friday, July 12. Crooks visits the Clairton Sportsmen’s Club to practice shooting.

home depot — Saturday Morning, July 13 Crooks shops at Home Depot and purchases a five-foot ladder.

Saturday Morning, July 13 Crooks visits the Allegheny gun store for 50 rounds of ammunition. He then makes the hour-long drive from his hometown of Bethel Park to Butler for the rally.

aerial view of rally — Saturday 3:00 p.m. Crooks enters the rally and metal detectors pick up a rangefinder that he carried inside. He was still permitted to enter, but authorities kept a close eye on him until he left the secure area.

shooter at rally — Saturday 5:06 p.m. A video appears to show a man matching Crooks’ description walking near a building just past the secured perimeter for the rally. He does not appear to have his rifle on him.

Saturday 5:55 p.m. Secret Service is warned of suspicious person, identifies him as “threat,” but allows Trump to take stage anyway.

shooter climbing — Saturday 6:09 p.m. Crooks climbs onto the roof of the American Glass Research complex. He did not use the ladder he had purchased to climb onto the roof and it was not found at the scene. Instead, he would use the air conditioning units to hoist himself up.

shooter on building — Saturday 6:10 p.m. Crooks lays flat on the sloped roof as he prepares to take aim and fire

shooter down on building — Saturday 6:11 p.m. Crooks is immediately shot and killed by the Secret Service. A cell phone and a remote transmitter are found next to his body.

trump after being shot — Saturday 6:11 p.m. Trump is rushed away from the rally and to Allegheny General Hospital to have his ear treated.

So far, officials have not found any ideological bent that could help explain Crooks’ actions.

Investigators who have searched his phone found photos of Trump, President Biden and other senior government officials.

Crooks had also looked up the dates for the Democratic National Convention, as well as Trump’s appearances.

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