Featured Image Credit: NBC News/BBC
Topics: Donald Trump, US News
Callum Jones
A former classmate of Donald Trump's alleged shooter says there was 'nothing out of the ordinary' before the shocking attack.
The former president was struck in the ear while giving a speech in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday (13 July).
Trump could be seen clutching his ear before ducking down and being swarmed by secret service agents.
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Before he was escorted to a waiting SUV, Trump raised his fist in the air and appeared to repeatedly mouth the word 'fight' to the crowd, which is totally normal behaviour after being shot at.
Two attendees were critically injured, and one, identified as Corey Comperatore, passed away.
The suspected shooter has since been identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old who lived the crucial swing state.
Crooks was shot by the Secret Service, with a statement saying that agents had 'neutralized' the shooter, who is now 'deceased'.
It continued: "US Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and the former president is safe and being evaluated."
Many former classmates of the man who seemingly wanted to kill Trump have spoken to the media.
Summer Barkley told the BBC that Crooks was 'always getting good grades on tests' and was 'very passionate' for history.
"Anything on government and history he seemed to know about," she added.
"But it was nothing out of the ordinary....he was always nice."
Though many other classmates had differing views.
Elementary and high school classmate Jameson Myers said Crooks tried to join the rifle team at Bethel Park High School in his junior year but was ultimately rejected.
"He didn't just not make the team," Myers told ABC News. "He was asked not to come back because how bad of a shot he was, it was considered, like, dangerous."
Meanwhile, a member of the rifle team, who wished to remain anonymous, told ABC News that Crooks 'wasn't really fit for the rifle team' and 'he also shot terribly'.
Jason Kohler, who also sent to the same high school as the shooter, told CNN that the shooter was bullied at school and often found himself in his own company.
Sarah D’Angelo, another student who went to the same school, told CNN that she remembered Crooks as “a quiet kid, not obviously political or violent in any way.”
In a statement released on Truth Social on Sunday (14 July), Trump shared that "It was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening."
"We will fear not, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness," the former president added.
"Our love goes out to the other victims and their families. We pray for the recovery of those who were wounded, and hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was so horribly killed.”
“In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win.”
“I truly love our Country, and love you all, and look forward to speaking to our Great Nation this week from Wisconsin.”