Former High School Classmate Reveals Bullying Encountered by Would-Be Trump Assassin

https://icaro.icaromediagroup.com/system/images/photos/16294209/original/open-uri20240716-56-smmcma?1721166143
ICARO Media Group
Politics
16/07/2024 21h41

In a shocking revelation, a former high school classmate has come forward to shed light on the bullying endured by Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old who recently attempted to shoot former President Donald Trump. Julianna Grooms, 19, disclosed that Crooks was often mocked as "the school shooter" and faced taunts about his hygiene during their time at Bethel Park High School.

According to Grooms, Crooks became an easy target for bullies, who teased him relentlessly in high school. She recalled how other students would purposely draw attention to him, calling him "the school shooter." Additionally, they targeted his poor hygiene and body odor, further exacerbating his isolation and vulnerability.

Grooms described Crooks as a loner who preferred to keep to himself and avoid any spotlight. She mentioned that he stood out as a freshman, sporting wide-legged jeans and SpongeBob SquarePants T-shirts. However, Crooks made efforts to blend in later on by abandoning his quirky wardrobe for more neutral attire, sometimes opting for camouflage or hunting outfits.

Supporting Grooms' account, Jason Kohler, another former classmate, revealed that Crooks was relentlessly bullied during their high school years. A video that recently surfaced showcases a prankster pulling at Crooks' pants leg, despite his pleas for them to stop. The incident highlights the extent of the bullying endured by the would-be Trump assassin.

However, not everyone agrees with the claims of bullying. Jim Knapp, a former school counselor at Bethel Park, disputes the allegations, stating that he does not recall any instances of Crooks being bullied or receiving cruel nicknames. The differing opinions regarding Crooks' experiences in high school add a layer of complexity to the situation.

It is worth noting that Crooks attempted to join the school's rifle club, a popular activity in the region due to its hunting culture. Former classmates have revealed that he was rejected from the club for being a "comically bad" shot. This rejection further contributed to his feelings of isolation and possibly heightened his resentment towards authority figures.

The revelation of the bullying faced by Thomas Matthew Crooks sheds light on the potential underlying factors that may have contributed to his attempted act of violence against former President Donald Trump. As the investigation into this disturbing incident continues, it serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing bullying in schools and seeking ways to support vulnerable students.

While the motivations behind Crooks' actions are complex and multifaceted, understanding and addressing the issue of bullying can play a crucial role in preventing such tragic events from occurring in the future.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

Related