Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old with no significant online presence, attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally using a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle. Crooks was shot dead at the scene by the Secret Service.
In an exclusive Daily Mail report, psychologists examine what drives individuals like Crooks to target high-profile figures like former President Trump.
Dr. Rachel Toles, a clinical psychologist, suggested that politics might not have played a significant role in Crooks' attempt. Despite being a registered Republican and donating to a progressive movement in 2021, his political beliefs remain ambiguous. The lack of an online presence and social connections adds to the mystery surrounding his motives.
Dr. Toles further elaborated on the psychological state of individuals like Crooks. She highlighted that people often target highly visible figures due to feelings of invisibility and damaged egos. Crooks' case seems to fit this pattern, with Trump being an extremely prominent figure.
Crooks' history reveals an interest in firearms and a background of being bullied in school. He had attempted to join his high school rifle team but was not selected. He was also a member of a local firing range, indicating a long-standing familiarity with guns.
Dr. Nicholas Kardaras noted that Trump's "alpha male" persona might have influenced Crooks. This persona, combined with extreme political views, could potentially radicalize individuals. Kardaras emphasized that radicalization by political views, while present, is often secondary to deeper psychological issues.
The Secret Service Exception Case Study Project supports this notion, finding that many assassins are driven more by delusions and a desire for fame than by political motives. Dr. Kardaras' comments align with this finding, suggesting that Crooks' primary drive may have been rooted in personal delusions.
Authorities are still uncertain about Crooks' personal beliefs, relying on existing psychological studies for insights. Dr. Kardaras compared Crooks to historical figures like John Wilkes Booth and John Hinckley Jr., who were driven by delusional motives.
Violent video games and social media culture are also mentioned as potential influences on aggression. Kardaras pointed out that while not every individual who plays violent games becomes violent, there is a significant correlation among school shooters. Crooks' isolation and interest in firearms further support this theory.
Dr. Kardaras emphasized the rarity of political motives as the primary drive for assassins. Instead, many attackers use political rhetoric to justify their actions. This aligns with Robert Fein's findings, which highlight the importance of delusions and fame in understanding the motives behind such attacks.
Dr. Toles on Crooks' motives:
Trump gets more attention than anyone on the planet. And now we're talking about an invisible kid who no one talked to in school unless they were kind of picking on him. So we're talking about somebody who feels incredibly invisible, and he's targeting the most visible man on the planet.
Experts draw parallels between Crooks and other assassins, noting similar psychological patterns. Dr. Kardaras mentioned that Crooks' interest in firearms and bullying in school are common traits among mass murderers. This connection highlights the broader psychological patterns that can lead to such extreme actions.
Thomas Matthew Crooks' attempt to assassinate former President Donald Trump has brought attention to the complex psychological motives behind such actions. While his political beliefs remain unclear, experts suggest that personal delusions and feelings of invisibility played a significant role. The influence of violent media and social isolation further complicates the understanding of his motives. As authorities continue to investigate, the broader implications for public safety and mental health are becoming increasingly evident.
