The release of academic records for Thomas Matthew Crooks, the individual behind the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt on President Donald Trump, has unveiled an unexpected portrait of the man at the center of this year’s most shocking crime. Far from the image of a disturbed or radicalized individual, Crooks’ records reveal him to be a high-achieving student with stellar academic credentials.
America First Legal (AFL), in partnership with attorney Wally Zimolong, fought a rigorous legal battle to obtain these records, citing the need for transparency in understanding the motivations and background of Crooks. The records, obtained under Pennsylvania’s Right to Know Law (RTKL), provide an unsettling juxtaposition of his academic brilliance and the heinous act he attempted.
America First Legal’s pursuit of Crooks’ academic records began shortly after the attempted assassination. The timeline highlights the obstacles they faced and their commitment to shedding light on Crooks’ past:
- July 17, 2024: AFL filed a Right to Know Law request with the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), seeking Crooks’ student files.
- August 18, 2024: The request was denied by CCAC, citing the ongoing criminal investigation.
- September 10, 2024: AFL appealed CCAC’s denial to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records.
- November 19, 2024: The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records ruled in favor of AFL, compelling CCAC to release the requested documents.
This legal victory underscores AFL’s commitment to ensuring public access to critical information, even in the face of institutional resistance.
The records released by AFL paint a surprising picture of Thomas Matthew Crooks. He was not a troubled or failing student but instead excelled academically:
- SAT Scores: Crooks achieved a 1390 on the SAT in March 2021 and an impressive 1530 in March 2022. The latter score places him in the 99th percentile, outperforming 99% of test-takers nationwide.
- Straight-A Student: His academic performance at the Community College of Allegheny County was similarly exemplary, with no evidence of behavioral or disciplinary issues.
Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022 with an unblemished record and a near-perfect GPA.
Crooks, a 2022 graduate of Bethel Park High School, demonstrated a history of academic brilliance. His cumulative Weighted GPA of 4.031 and Non-Weighted GPA of 3.813 reflect his consistent excellence across challenging courses.
In his final year, Crooks took demanding Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including AP Macroeconomics, AP U.S. Government & Politics, AP Statistics, and AP Calculus AB, earning straight A’s across the board.
A College Board report dated July 5, 2022, details Crooks’ Advanced Placement (AP) exam results for 2022.
Crooks pursued studies at the University of Pittsburgh from 2018 to 2022, maintaining his reputation as a top student.
After transferring to the Community College of Allegheny County in 2021, Crooks continued to excel academically, planning to return to the University of Pittsburgh to study mechanical engineering.
According to the transcript from the Community College of Allegheny County, Crooks maintained an exemplary academic record, graduating with honors from the engineering science program.
His transcript reveals consistent high performance, with a near-perfect GPA and multiple semesters earning straight A’s. Notably, he excelled in subjects like calculus, physics, and chemistry.
The revelation of Crooks’ academic record contrasts sharply with assumptions often made about individuals involved in violent crimes. Crooks’ SAT scores and straight-A record suggest a young man with significant intellectual potential.
This disconnect between Crooks’ apparent academic aptitude and his actions raises pressing questions:
- What led him to attempt such an extreme act?
- Were there ideological influences or external factors that radicalized him?
- How do we reconcile his scholastic accomplishments with his criminal behavior?
The release of these records marks another milestone in AFL’s ongoing efforts to bring clarity and accountability to matters of public concern. AFL emphasized the importance of understanding the full context of Crooks’ life and background, arguing that transparency can help uncover potential warning signs or systemic failures.
“AFL remains committed to ensuring the public has access to critical information,” said a spokesperson for the organization. “We believe shedding light on this matter is essential to preventing similar tragedies in the future.”
The attempted assassination of President Trump shocked the nation, igniting intense debate over security, political rhetoric, and the motivations of individuals like Crooks. The new information about his academic excellence only deepens the complexity of these discussions.
Some commentators have suggested that Crooks’ profile challenges conventional narratives about those who commit politically motivated violence. Others argue that his achievements might have masked underlying issues, making him an unlikely but effective agent of extremism.
While Crooks awaits trial, the revelations about his academic record may play a role in both his legal defense and public understanding of his motives. Prosecutors and defense attorneys alike are likely to scrutinize his background, seeking clues that might explain his descent into violence.
For now, the release of these records serves as a reminder that individuals are often more complex than they initially appear. As the investigation continues, the nation remains eager for answers about how a young man with so much potential could commit such a horrifying act.
The story of Thomas Matthew Crooks is one of stark contrasts: a student whose academic achievements placed him among the nation’s best and a would-be assassin who nearly altered the course of history. His case raises critical questions about the interplay between intelligence, ideology, and extremism, leaving Americans grappling with the deeper implications of his actions.
As the trial unfolds and more details emerge, the public will continue to seek understanding—not just of Crooks, but of the broader societal forces that contributed to this unprecedented event.
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