The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) has denied a request for records related to Thomas Matthew Crooks, the man who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania. The denial is based on a grand jury subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, which is investigating the assassination attempt and has required the college to withhold relevant documents.
The grand jury, which has been convened for the first time in this district for such an investigation, is reviewing evidence related to the assassination attempt. Crooks, a 20-year-old local resident, fired several shots from a rooftop at a Trump rally, killing retired firefighter Corey Comperatore and injuring two other individuals, including the former president. Local law enforcement and Secret Service agents responded to the attack, resulting in Crooks being shot and killed.
Donald Trump
Information about the investigation has emerged gradually. Among the details released are Crooks’ internet search history and the fact that he obtained the firearm used in the attack from his father. There are ongoing questions about whether Crooks acted alone or if there were additional factors or individuals involved in the attack, as suggested by comments from figures such as Congressman Mike Waltz.
The Secret Service’s handling of the incident has faced criticism, leading to significant changes within the agency. Following the security failure that allowed the attack to occur, the head of the Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, resigned, and Acting Director Ronald Rowe took over. Rowe’s assessment of the security measures in place highlighted serious deficiencies, contributing to public and congressional criticism.
The Crooks family’s legal representation and the slow release of information have kept the case under scrutiny. With both the FBI and various legal entities involved, the investigation continues to attract attention as the grand jury examines the broader implications of the assassination attempt and its context.
