KILLER SEEN
Watch chilling BlackRock commercial Trump shooter Thomas Crooks appeared in 2 years before assassination attempt
A motive for the attempt is still unclear
TWO years before his assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump, Thomas Crooks appeared in a commercial that has since been pulled from the air.
BlackRock, the world's largest money management company, removed the ad, which briefly featured the 20-year-old.
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The 2022 ad showed Crooks, a student at Bethel Park High School at the time, along with other unpaid tens.
"In 2022, we ran an ad featuring a teacher from Bethel Park High School, in which several unpaid students briefly appeared in the background, including Thomas Matthew Crooks," the company said in a statement.
An AP and honors economics class that Crooks attended at the time is shown in the 30-second ad.
He graduated the same year the commercial aired and was among a dozen students who received National Math & Science Initiative Star Awards, per the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
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In the ad, Crooks is seen sitting at a desk while listening to his teacher, only appearing on screen for a few seconds.
BlackRock said that while the ad has been removed from circulation, it is still available for investigators to review.
"The assassination attempt on former President Trump is abhorrent," BlackRock said in a statement.
"We’re thankful former President Trump wasn’t seriously injured, and thinking about all the innocent bystanders and victims of this awful act, especially the person who was killed."
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RABBIT HOLE
Since the ad resurfaced, several conspiracy theories have swirled regarding Crooks, who was fatally shot by Secret Service snipers after opening fire at Trump and wounding him.
Firsthand accounts from eyewitnesses who captured moment Trump shooter was stopped
"This to me stinks of MKULTRA," claimed an X user.
"But What’s odd to me is that someone would even come across this so fast… like how do you cross reference the name, the school, and BlackRock..."
"The coincidences are lining up," wrote another person.
"How did Thomas Matthew Crooks end up in a BlackRock commercial?"
A third person called Crooks the "2024 Lee Harvey Oswald," referring to the gunman behind the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
No authorities have made any statements regarding a possible connection between BlackRock and Crooks outside of his brief appearance in the commercial.
RALLY HORROR
Trump was rushed off the stage by the Secret Service on Saturday after he was left bloodied while speaking in Pennsylvania.
An audience member was killed in the shooting and two others were critically injured, the Secret Service Confirmed.
In a statement, the agency said: "The former president is safe and being evaluated."
"The incident is currently under investigation and the Secret Service has formally notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation," the statement concluded.
Video showed Trump grabbing his ear as he dove behind the podium with Secret Service members swarming him.
The audience could be heard screaming in confusion as some people shouted, "Get down!"
Donald Trump Rally Shooting Timeline
Donald Trump was shot at his Pennsylvania rally on July 13.
1pm: Doors open at the Butler Farm Show grounds where Trump was expected to speak at 5pm.
4:11pm: Sean Parnell gave the opening speech.
4:35pm: David McCormick rallied the crowd.
5:30pm: Crowds were still waiting for Trump.
6:03pm: Trump takes the stage.
6:11pm: Gunshots were fired as Trump delivered remarks.
6:12pm: Trump was ushered off stage by Secret Service agents.
6:42pm: Secret Service confirmed Trump is safe.
7:24pm: The shooter and one rally attendee are confirmed dead by law enforcement officials.
8:42pm: Trump confirms he was shot in the ear, sharing a statement on Truth Social.
8:49pm: The Secret Service confirms the shooter and a rally attendee are dead. Two others remain critically injured.
Trump was quickly rushed into his SUV to be taken to a hospital for treatment.
"An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe," the Secret Service said in a statement.
"This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available."
TRUMP TALKS
Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., told ABC News that his father is "in good spirits" despite the attempt.
The presidential campaign for Trump said that he is "fine" and is "being checked out at a local medical facility."
"President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act," the campaign said.
Trump would later release a statement on his social media Truth Social, writing: " want to thank the United States Secret Service and all of the Law Enforcement for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Donald Trump Rally Shooting Reaction
Dozens of politicians and celebrities have offered their support for the former president after he was reportedly grazed by gunfire at his Pennsylvania rally on July 13.
President Biden held a brief press conference just after 8 pm ET. He said he was hoping to speak to Trump.
"Look, there's no place in America for this kind of violence. It's sick," the president continued. "We cannot condone this."
Vice President Harris said she was "relieved" Trump was not seriously injured.
"Violence such as this has no place in our nation," she continued.
Former President Obama said on X: "There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy.
"Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.
Donald Trump, Jr shared a photo of his father raising a fist moments after he was shot with the caption: "He'll never stop fighting to Save America."
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr said: "Now is the time for every American who loves our country to step back from the division, renounce all violence, and unite in prayer for President Trump and his family."
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said: "I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery."
Britain's new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer took to X to say: "I am appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump's rally and we send him and his family our best wishes.
"Political violence in any form has no place in our societies and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack."
Reform leader and newly elected MP Nigel Farage said it is a "miracle" that his friend is still alive.
Farage told Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: "I was very upset when I heard the news late last night, Donald Trump survived by a miracle, frankly.
"But one innocent man is dead, two are fighting for their lives in hospital. It's horrible, and yet somehow not surprising."
Former PM Boris Johnson also gave his condolences to Trump and his family as he said it shows "the tragic fragility of democracy in the face of violence and unreason".
Ukrainian PM Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been a target for assassins in the past, also said he was "appalled" by the events in the US.
"Such violence has no justification and no place anywhere in the world. Never should violence prevail," he said on X.
"I extend my wishes for strength to everyone who is horrified by this event. I wish America emerges stronger from this."
"Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed and also to the family of another person that was badly injured."
He explained that he was shot "with a bullet that pierced the upper part of" his ear.
"Much bleeding took place so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!"
CONDEMNATION
President Biden held a press conference Saturday night, wishing his bitter rival well and condemning the violence.
"I plan on talking to him shortly, I hope when I get back to the telephone," Biden said.
"Look, there's no place in America for this kind of violence. It's sick.
"Everybody must condemn it. I'll keep you informed."
President Biden's campaign team said they would pull some election campaign ads in light of the assassination attempt.
Donald Trump Rally Security
Donald Trump was reportedly shot at a Pennsylvania rally on Saturday, July 13.
Trump's rally was held at the Butler Farm Grounds, which can hold tens of thousands of people.
There were 8-10 metal detectors at the grounds, according to Former USUN Ambassador Kip Tom.
Tom told CNN that anyone within a certain distance of the president was required to enter through those metal detectors.
Despite being held at an open fairground, the rally was fenced-in, meaning a perimeter was set up.
Counter snipers from the Secret Service were stationed in the area to monitor the perimeter.
In addition to metal detectors for the public, plus local and state police, the Secret Service is assigned to protect the president.
Secret Service agents immediately jumped to cover Trump after he appeared to be shot.
"We have practiced for these situations thousands of times," Jonathan Wackrow, former agent, told CNN.
CNN also reported that the Secret Service shot and killed the reported shooter.
The FBI assumed the larger investigation of the shooting, working in tandem with the Secret Service.
"The Biden campaign is pausing all outbound communications and working to pull down our television ads as quickly as possible," the campaign said in a statement.
Vice President Kamala Harris also issued a statement, saying that she is praying for Trump.
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"We are praying for him, his family, and all those who have been injured and impacted by this senseless shooting," she wrote.
"Violence such as this has no place in our nation. We must all condemn this abhorrent act and do our part to ensure that it does not lead to more violence."
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