Bethel Park High School has publicly refuted claims that Thomas Crooks, the gunman involved in a recent shooting, tried out for the school’s rifle team. According to a fact sheet shared online by the school, there is “no record” of Crooks attempting to join the team during his time there.
Former high school classmate Jameson Myers, who was a member of the varsity rifle team, had earlier told CBS News that Crooks had indeed tried out for the team during his freshman year. Myers claimed that Crooks did not make the junior varsity roster and did not return to try out his senior year. This account has been contested by the school, which stated that while it is possible Crooks might have informally attended a practice, there is no formal record of him ever trying out or being a part of the team. The school’s coach does not recall meeting Crooks, and there is no documented evidence of his involvement.
In addition to addressing the rifle team claims, the school also responded to allegations that Crooks was bullied during his high school years. Some peers had described him as an outcast, but Myers, who described Crooks as a “nice kid who never talked poorly of anyone,” did not recall him being picked on. The school’s official statement emphasized that Crooks excelled academically, had a clean disciplinary record, and was generally well-regarded by his teachers and classmates.
Federal investigators, meanwhile, have found little evidence regarding Crooks’ political beliefs. Analysis of his electronic devices revealed searches related to both President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, as well as the location of political events and a gun shop that is cooperating with the investigation.
Despite over 200 interviews with family, neighbors, and coworkers, investigators have yet to uncover any significant political motivations or ideological leanings in Crooks’ actions.
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