We all can recall the shock of that July day in 2024 when news broke that Donald Trump had been shot. Questions have swirled around the lack of communication between local law enforcement and federal agencies like the Secret Service. Yet, the media has been strangely quiet on the topic of Thomas Crooks, the man behind the assassination attempt.
Recently, reports have come out revealing that Crooks was allegedly working on “designing a bomb” for months before the incident. He ordered various components through the mail, including two gallons of a substance known as nitromethane. In January 2024, he even sent an email to the supplier asking about the status of his order, which hadn’t shipped yet.
In August 2024, FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek noted that Crooks had researched nitromethane and other materials commonly used to make explosive devices. The specific intentions behind Crooks’ actions remain unclear, but a backpack filled with such materials could have devastating effects. The media, however, has been focusing less on these dangerous activities and more on painting Crooks in a sympathetic light.
CBS News, for instance, covered the story of Crooks but portrayed him quite differently. While they did report on his attempt to assassinate Trump, they quickly moved on to softer aspects of his life. They likened their coverage to the “Michael Brown” treatment, highlighting Crooks’ seemingly polite email to the supplier as if it were a redeeming quality.
It’s been nearly a year since Crooks tried to kill President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, yet we’re only now learning about his efforts to acquire explosives. This revelation could have had serious implications, depending on how these materials might have been used. CBS, however, seemed more interested in the narrative of a young man with a “bright future.”
The network described Crooks as someone juggling two conflicting paths: continuing his engineering degree, which impressed his professors, and the assassination attempt that would inevitably lead to his downfall. Such portrayal raises eyebrows, especially when Crooks’ SAT scores and love for football and fall weather are given airtime.
CBS also noted that Crooks designed a 3D Braille chessboard for his visually impaired mother, painting a picture of a thoughtful individual. The network wrapped up their piece by speculating about ongoing investigations, highlighting how Crooks was shot and killed by Secret Service agents during the attack.
The FBI has confirmed that their investigation remains active, yet they’ve shared little about Crooks’ motives or possible accomplices. This leaves room for CBS to continue their humanizing narrative, glossing over the stark reality of Crooks’ actions. It’s a reminder of how the media often fails to learn from past mistakes and continues with business as usual.
CBS claimed to have obtained “hundreds” of Crooks’ emails and academic records, yet they’ve only released a single email. This selective reporting raises questions about their intentions, as they focus on stories that soften Crooks’ image instead of the facts. The presence of a 3D printer in his room, used to create the chessboard for his mother, is highlighted as a humanizing detail.
It’s clear that the mainstream media has a pattern of deflecting, spinning, and even lying to fit their narratives. This case is no different, with Crooks being painted as a complex character rather than focusing on the gravity of his actions. For those seeking truthful reporting, it’s essential to look beyond mainstream outlets and find news sources that prioritize facts over spin.
The media’s portrayal of Crooks is a stark reminder of their tendency to overlook or minimize the seriousness of certain actions. As this story unfolds, it’s crucial for the public to remain vigilant and seek out balanced reporting. In doing so, we can hold the media accountable and ensure that important details aren’t swept under the rug.
In times like these, it’s vital to question the narratives presented to us and look deeper into the facts. The way Crooks has been portrayed serves as a cautionary tale about how narratives can be shaped and manipulated. It’s a call to action for individuals to stay informed and demand transparency in reporting.
By examining the media’s role in shaping public perception, we can better understand the dynamics at play. It’s crucial to remember that not all stories are told in full, and often, there is more beneath the surface. As we navigate these complex issues, critical thinking becomes an invaluable tool.
In a world where information is abundant yet often skewed, it’s more important than ever to discern truth from fiction. Being informed and questioning the narratives we’re presented with can lead to a more honest and transparent media landscape. This vigilance is necessary to ensure that the truth is not obscured by biased reporting.
Ultimately, the portrayal of Thomas Crooks in the media underscores the need for accurate and balanced reporting. As consumers of news, it’s our responsibility to seek out reliable sources and hold media outlets accountable. Only then can we hope to receive a fair and truthful account of the events that shape our world.
