Gab Owner Suggests Trump Shooter May Have Had Pro-Biden Social Media Account

In the wake of the recent shooting at a Donald Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, new details are emerging about the shooter’s potential social media presence. Andrew Torba, the CEO of Gab, a social media platform favored by many on the right, suggested that the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, may have had a pro-Biden social media account.

The incident occurred on July 13, 2024, when shots rang out at the rally, leaving Trump with a minor injury and tragically resulting in the death of an audience member and the shooter himself​. The rapid spread of misinformation on social media platforms further complicated the chaotic aftermath​​.

Torba's comments have sparked controversy and added another layer to the complex narrative surrounding the shooting. He claimed that Crooks had a history of supporting President Joe Biden online, though these assertions remain unverified. The FBI has not released any statements corroborating this specific claim, and details about Crooks' online activities are still under investigation​​.

The father of the shooter, Matthew Crooks, contacted the police after noticing his son and his AR-style rifle were missing shortly after the rally began​ ​. Law enforcement officials later confirmed that Thomas Crooks used his father's legally obtained firearm to carry out the attack. The shooter was positioned on a nearby rooftop, an area not adequately secured by the Secret Service, according to eyewitness reports​.

President Biden strongly condemned the attack, calling it "sick" and a reflection of the need for national unity to combat political violence​.

Biden, in his address, emphasized the importance of peaceful political discourse and denounced any form of violence, echoing sentiments from across the political spectrum​​.

The incident has intensified discussions on the role of social media in amplifying conspiracy theories and spreading misinformation. Platforms like Gab have been under scrutiny for their role in these dynamics. The rapid dissemination of unfounded claims about the shooter’s political affiliations highlights the broader issue of how information is consumed and believed in today's digital age​​.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the shooter's motivations and ensuring that such incidents do not recur. Law enforcement agencies are working to piece together the shooter’s background and online presence to provide a clearer picture of the events leading up to the tragic attack​​.

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