20-Year-Old Gunman Who Fired at Trump Was Rejected from School Rifle Team

In a shocking turn of events at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a 20-year-old gunman fired at former President Donald Trump, resulting in the death of one rallygoer and injuries to two others. 

Summarized Insights:

• Crooks fired at Trump in rally

• Rejected from school rifle team

• Described as a poor shot

• Motives for attack unclear

• Secret Service neutralized shooter

The gunman, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, was fatally shot by Secret Service agents at the scene. 

As details emerge about Crooks, a former classmate reveals a surprising backstory: Crooks had been such a poor shot that he was rejected from his high school's rifle team.

Jameson Myers, an ex-classmate of Crooks, spoke to ABC News following the shooting. 

Myers recounted that Crooks had attempted to join their high school's rifle team but was deemed too dangerous due to his poor shooting skills. 

"He didn't just not make the team, he was asked not to come back because of how bad of a shot he was," Myers explained. "It was considered like, dangerous."

Myers and Crooks both attended Bethel Park High School, where Myers was a member of the varsity rifle team. 

Although Myers and Crooks were close in elementary school, they drifted apart in high school. 

Myers graduated in 2022, while Crooks never appeared on the school's rifle team roster, according to the school district.

Another anonymous rifle team member corroborated Myers' account, stating that Crooks was not considered fit to join the team and that he performed poorly in shooting. 

Despite his lack of skill, Crooks maintained a positive demeanor and was described by Myers as a "very nice, even sweet guy."

Crooks' tragic trajectory continued after high school, where he worked as a dietary aide at the Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. 

The center released a statement confirming his employment but did not shed light on his motives for the attack.

Crooks was also a member of the Clairton Sportsmen's Club, a facility with multiple pistol and rifle ranges in Clairton, Pennsylvania. 

He legally purchased the AR-style 5.56 rifle used in the attack, according to Kevin Rojek, Director of the FBI Pittsburgh Office.

The shooting at the Trump rally unfolded dramatically. 

As gunshots rang out, Trump was seen ducking for cover before standing defiantly and pumping his fist at the crowd, with streaks of blood visible on his face. 

The bullet had grazed the top of his ear, as Trump later revealed in a Truth Social post. 

In an interview with the New York Post, Trump expressed gratitude for his survival, attributing it to luck or divine intervention. 

"I'm not supposed to be here, I'm supposed to be dead," Trump said. "By luck or by God, many people are saying it's by God I'm still here."

Trump also praised the Secret Service agents for their quick response and effective action in neutralizing the shooter. 

"I think the Secret Service agents did a fantastic job," he stated.

This incident adds to the ongoing discourse about gun violence, security at political events, and the unpredictable nature of individuals who carry out such attacks. 

As investigations continue, the motives behind Crooks' actions remain unclear, leaving many questions unanswered about what drove him to such a desperate act.