Reports online have claimed that Thomas Matthew Crooks was a transgender
Following the assassination attempt on former President and current presidential candidate, Donald Trump, misinformation and conspiracy theories have surged online to seemingly unprecedented levels. Now it took another twisted turn as these conspiracy theories claimed that the shooter was a transgender.
What, not aware of these theories, here’s the brief.
Was Donald Trump’s shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks a transgender woman and what is his biological gender
For the unversed, far-right social media users are currently busy as they are speculating a new story every day about Trump’s attempted assassination.
Amidst various viral theories, one that is making waves across social media platforms claims that the shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was a transgender woman.
Thomas Mathew Crooks (TMC) had an FBI email address
Had a second cellphone that took calls at his residence and at the fbi headquarters
“Registered republican” who donated to act Blue
Drove his bike to the Trump rally and stashed his rifle on an AC before going
Used a drone… https://t.co/9RklTWxg8D
— Angry Elephant (@Craptocracy) July 24, 2024
How Did Rumor Gain Traction?
These rumors about Crooks, who was shot and killed by counter-snipers moments after he opened fire on Trump, appear to have first surfaced on the notorious far-right imageboard 4chan.
An anonymous user on 4chan made the claim, posting a picture of an individual with long hair who resembled Crooks. When another user asked if the photo was real, the original poster admitted it wasn’t but added that “spreading rumors” was fun.
Despite this admission, the photo circulated beyond 4chan to popular social media sites including X, TikTok, and Reddit. So far, the post has received over 20,000 shares and roughly 7.1 million views after being posted on X by the popular far-right user known as “Paul Hookem.”
Who Shared the Post on X?
Paul Hookem, took to X and shared the photo with the caption, “Anyone wondering why they aren’t using this photo of the shooter?”
Many users in the replies argued that the picture proved Crooks was left-wing, despite the fact that he was a registered Republican who classmates say held conservative views. Let us remind you, Crooks, once donate $15 to a left-wing political organization. Cooks is not a transgender and was a biological male.
Social Media User’s Reaction
One X user commented on the post, “Interesting, it doesn’t suit the narrative of a geeky loner rather than being a Democrat woke pusher of pronouns.” Another one added, “This dude screams antifa soy boy.”
This narrative aligns with previous attempts by right-wing internet users to suggest that the nation is facing an epidemic of mass shootings carried out by transgender individuals.
Although a Community Note was eventually placed on the post, the fact-check seems to have done little to stop the spread of the claim.
Let us inform you, at no point have Crooks’ family, friends, or law enforcement involved in the investigation said that the 20-year-old identified as transgender.
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