Sources: Thomas Crooks Embraced Nonbinary Identity, Fixated on Political Violence and Fitness
Thomas Crooks, a figure involved in a significant political incident, utilized they/them pronouns and exhibited a troubling fascination with political violence. Before attempting to assassinate former President Trump on July 13, 2024, Crooks engaged in a range of alarming online activities across various social media platforms.
Background on Thomas Crooks
Thirteen months before his violent act, Crooks had been active on platforms such as DeviantArt, YouTube, and Snapchat. His online presence reflected an escalating fixation on violence against political figures, particularly Trump and members of Congress. From approximately a decade ago, his digital footprint transitioned from supporting Trump to engaging in a series of radical and violent expressions.
Content Creation and Online Persona
- Crooks posted violent artwork, including images that displayed acts of violence against figures that symbolized opposition.
- His DeviantArt profile prominently featured they/them pronouns, though his gender identity remains unclear.
- A striking post from June 2023 illustrated a violent theme against a figure depicted in colors resembling the trans pride flag.
Violent Online Communications
Throughout his online activities, Crooks made numerous violent comments. For instance, he expressed the desire to enact harm against political opponents and displayed antisemitic and racist ideologies. His remark, “Everyone of the Trump-hating Democrats deserve to have their heads chopped off,” highlights the severity of his sentiments.
Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic
During the pandemic, his views shifted markedly. Initially supportive of Trump, he began criticizing the former president’s COVID-19 policies. This change was indicative of a broader disillusionment, which seemed to fuel his subsequent fascination with violence.
Patterns of Behavior
- Crooks conducted searches related to infamous assassinations and violent events, such as the Pulse nightclub shooting.
- He sought knowledge on firearms, body armor, and tactics evocative of terrorist operations.
- His violent rhetoric included discussions on employing terrorism-style attacks against government officials.
Final Act of Violence
Crooks’ attempt on Trump’s life took place during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. During this incident, he injured Trump and killed a firefighter. His actions marked a tragic culmination of years of escalating violence and a disturbing online persona.
Conclusion
The complexities surrounding Thomas Crooks reveal a troubling narrative of political extremism and personal identity. His case underscores the potential danger posed by individuals who manifest violent ideologies in digital spaces.
