There are concerns about whether the parents of Thomas Crooks, the individual who attempted to assassinate Trump, could be charged as more details about his reclusive behavior and social isolation are unveiled.
“To successfully charge [Crooks’ parents], one would need to establish beyond a reasonable doubt that they knowingly aided him in planning the assassination or were aware of his actions and provided support,” noted Pennsylvania attorney Matthew Mangino from Luxenberg, Garbett, Kelly and George to Fox News Digital. “Proving this would likely be challenging, I believe.”
However, Mangino pointed out that “civil liability presents a different scenario.”
For any civil action against Crooks’ parents, there must be a “preponderance of evidence indicating that they could have or should have intervened to protect not only the former president but also the public,” as well as the victim who lost their life.
TRUMP SHOOTING: A CHRONOLOGY OF THE ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
An undated image of Thomas Matthew Crooks. (Handout via AFP)
Prior to the assassination attempt, Crooks reportedly looked into the case of Ethan Crumbley, the Oxford High School shooter, according to sources familiar with the investigation. In that case, both of Crumbley’s parents faced charges and convictions for involuntary manslaughter in relation to their son’s actions. However, a significant difference between the cases is Crooks’ age.
At the time of the assassination attempt on July 13, Crooks was 20 years old and was shot and killed by snipers. During a press briefing, the FBI confirmed that Crooks’ father legally possessed the AR-15 used during the assault and transferred ownership to Crooks before the incident.
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Images of Thomas Mathew Crooks captured by a sniper. (Sen. Ron Johnson’s Office)
After the incident, Crooks allegedly acquired 25 firearms and various chemical precursors for “materials used to create explosive devices found in his vehicle and residence,” as stated by Special Agent Kevin Rojek from the FBI’s Pittsburgh office.
Crooks’ parents reportedly informed investigators of their son’s long-standing interest in science projects, leading them to frequently receive packages addressed to him at their home.
TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT: MESSAGES REVEAL OFFICERS KNEW OF CROOKS 90 MINUTES BEFORE THE SHOOTING
The parents of Thomas Crooks, Matthew and Mary Crooks, arrive back at their home in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania on July 24, 2024. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
Matthew Crooks, Crooks’ father, was spotted leaving a law office in Pittsburgh on Monday.
He refrained from commenting on whether any warning signs were noticed prior to his son’s assassination attempt.
In an earlier statement to Fox News Digital, the shooter’s father said, “We intend to provide a statement once our legal counsel advises us. Until then, we have no comment and wish to focus on our well-being. We ask for privacy at this time.”
Matthew Crooks is spotted waiting outside an office building in Pittsburgh, PA on July 29, 2024. He is the father of would-be Trump assassin, Thomas Crooks. (DWS for Fox News Digital)
Brian Stewart, a trial attorney with Parker & McConkie in Utah, stated that parents shouldn’t be expected to constantly supervise their adult children.
“Based on the updated information from the FBI, it seems improbable that Crooks’ parents will face either criminal or civil liability for their son’s actions.”
Rojek mentioned that Crooks’ parents have been “exceptionally cooperative” with the FBI throughout the investigation. Additionally, FBI officials have found no evidence suggesting Crooks had any co-conspirators involved in his plan.
Investigators conduct a visit at Thomas Crooks’ residence. (Derek Shook/Fox News Digital)
“Should the ongoing investigation uncover that Crooks’ father transferred the AR-15 to him unlawfully or had any reason to anticipate it would be misused in a crime, criminal or civil charges could be conceivable,” remarked Stewart. “However, the FBI has thus far indicated they have found no associations with others related to the attack and do not suspect Crooks’ parents were aware of his intentions to attempt to assassinate Trump.”
Stewart further noted that if “any evidence comes to light suggesting the parents had knowledge of their son’s assassination plans, or if they recklessly disregarded alarming behaviors, a case against the parents could be pursued, with its success hinging on the integrity of the evidence.”
PENNSYLVANIA SWAT SNIPER STATED TRUMP SHOOTER ‘SEEMED OUT OF PLACE’ AS OFFICER WARNED OF GUNMAN PRIOR
FBI agents visited the residence of Thomas Crooks in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. (AFP/REUTERS/Aaron Josefczyk)
Nicole Brenecki, a New York City attorney, also highlighted Crooks’ age as a potential barrier to pressing criminal charges against his parents.
“In light of the recent sentencing of James and Jennifer Crumbley in the Michigan school shooting case, the district attorney may contemplate charges against the father of the Trump shooter. However, Crooks’ nearly 21 years of age at the time of the shooting is a significant weakness in such a case,” Brenecki observed.
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The FBI characterized Crooks on Monday as a “loner” with “high intelligence,” citing his college education and ability to maintain a full-time job. Officials continue to investigate Crooks’ motivations behind the assassination attempt on Trump.
