Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old gunman who shot and injured former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally, briefly appeared in an advertisement for BlackRock Inc., the company revealed on Sunday, told Reuters.
Crooks, who graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022, was one of several students in the background of the 2022 ad, which featured a teacher and was filmed at the high school. BlackRock, the world’s largest money manager, clarified that Crooks was unpaid for his appearance in the ad.
In a statement, BlackRock said, via Fox Business “The assassination attempt on former President Trump is abhorrent. We’re thankful former President Trump wasn’t seriously injured, and thinking about all the innocent bystanders and victims of this awful act, especially the person who was killed.” The company condemned the attack, which left one attendee dead and two others critically wounded.
Although BlackRock did not describe the content of the ad, it confirmed that the footage would be made available to authorities and removed from circulation. The company’s decision to pull the ad reflects its stance on distancing itself from the tragic event and those involved.
The incident occurred at a rally on Saturday, where Crooks’ actions shocked the nation. The former president, who sustained injuries but was not seriously harmed, addressed the attack with resilience, while the community mourned the loss of innocent life and prayed for the recovery of the critically wounded attendees.
BlackRock, known for its significant influence in the financial sector, has previously faced scrutiny following mass shootings in the U.S. due to some of its index funds owning shares in gun manufacturers. This latest incident has once again placed the company under the public eye, raising questions about corporate responsibility and association.
In light of the upcoming earnings report on Monday, BlackRock’s prompt response to the incident highlights its awareness of the potential reputational impact and the importance of maintaining public trust. The company’s statement serves to reassure stakeholders that it condemns the violent act and is taking necessary steps to cooperate with authorities.
As investigations continue, the removal of the ad featuring Crooks is a symbolic move by BlackRock to disassociate from the perpetrator and reaffirm its commitment to ethical standards. The company’s actions reflect the broader societal expectation for corporations to take a stand against violence and support the victims and their families during such distressing times.
The fallout from this tragic event underscores the ongoing debate about the influence of media and corporate entities in the context of public safety and gun violence. As the nation grapples with the aftermath, the emphasis remains on supporting the victims and preventing future tragedies.