As the investigation into the motives behind the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally continues, a former classmate of the accused shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, has come forward to shed some light on his political leanings.
Max R Smith, who attended high school with Crooks, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that Crooks was "definitely conservative" during their time together. Smith's statement raises questions about why someone with conservative beliefs would carry out an assassination attempt on a conservative candidate.

The FBI has not yet revealed any details regarding a possible motive for Saturday's shooting, which resulted in the death of one spectator and left two others injured. Crooks himself was shot and killed by US Secret Service agents in the aftermath of the incident. Agents have been conducting thorough investigations, including interviewing residents in Crooks' neighborhood and examining his electronic devices to uncover any possible communications leading up to the rally.

Smith's recollection adds a new layer to the complex profile of Crooks. Records show that he donated $15 to a progressive political action committee at the age of 17, but later registered as a Republican when he turned 18, according to federal finance records and Pennsylvania voter data. Smith, describing their shared US history class, mentioned how Crooks often stood alone on the conservative side during mock debates, while the majority of the class leaned liberal.

However, recollections of Crooks' high school experience and political views vary among his former classmates. Some portrayed him as a victim of bullying, while others remember him as a kind and helpful individual who excelled at math and science. Mark Sigafoos, who shared classes with Crooks, described him as a nerdy kid but not someone who attempted to enforce his own beliefs. Jason Kohler, who did not have classes with Crooks, highlighted the bullying he faced, including mockery of his clothing choices.

During the shooting, Crooks was seen wearing a T-shirt promoting The Demolition Ranch, a popular YouTube channel for gun enthusiasts. He shot at Trump from the rooftop of a bottle manufacturing plant using a legally purchased AR-style semiautomatic rifle obtained by his father. Reports indicate that Crooks had bought 50 rounds of ammunition shortly before the attack.

Tragically, one audience member, former firefighter Corey Comperatore, lost his life in the shooting, while David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74, sustained critical injuries. Explosives were later discovered in Crooks' vehicle, as reported by various news outlets based on anonymous law enforcement sources.

Crooks, who graduated from high school in 2022, had been employed as a dietary aid at a local nursing home and had passed a background check when hired. Initial searches of Crooks' online presence have not revealed any significant clues about his motives or political declarations.

As investigators continue to piece together the puzzle surrounding this tragedy, the question of what drove Crooks, a self-identifying conservative, to attempt the assassination of a conservative candidate remains unanswered. The FBI's ongoing investigation aims to shed light on this disturbing incident and provide clarity to the community and the nation at large.