YouTuber Matt Carriker Expresses Shock Over Thomas Crooks' Demolition Ranch T-Shirt

Updated July 16, 2024, 07:17 AM IST

YouTuber Matt Carriker responded to the fact that Thomas Matthew Crooks, the shooter who shot Donald Trump at a rally, was wearing a Demolition Ranch T-shirt. Carriker, a veterinarian by profession, started his YouTube channel in 2011 as a hobby. It features videos showcasing various weapons and explosive devices. It also provides educational content on gun safety and handling.

Matt Carriker reacts to the shooting at a Donald Trump rally wearing a Demolition Ranch t-shirt. (Photo credit: Twitter/Matt Carriker)

YouTuber Matt Carrier reacted to Donald Trump’s shooting at a rally Thomas Matthew Crooks wearing a Demolition Ranch t-shirt.

“As many of you know – and we were shocked and confused to learn – the shooter who attempted to assassinate Trump was wearing merchandise from my channel, wearing a Demolition Ranch T-Shirt“, Carriker said in a video shared on his social media Monday.

Demolition Ranch, a popular YouTube channel based in Central Texas and hosted by Matt Carriker, features videos showcasing various firearms and explosive devices.

“We don’t vet the people who buy our shirts… I wish we could. I wish we could prevent those types of people from buying, wearing or being associated with that type of clothing,” Carriker added.

“I wish he couldn’t get a T-shirt, but it happened. I think the difference between a shooter wearing a pair of Nike shoes and a shooter wearing my T-shirt is that this brand is much more personal to me than Nike is to its executives. To see my name next to the shooter’s name… I wish we could stop that from happening,” he concluded.

Carriker, a veterinarian by profession, started his YouTube channel in 2011 as a hobby. Originally aimed at firearms enthusiasts, the channel now has over 11 million subscribers. It also offers educational content on firearms safety and handling. Building on the channel’s success, Carriker expanded to selling Demolition Ranch merchandise, including clothing for men, women and children.

What We Know About the Pennsylvania Rally Shooting –

Crooks opened fire as Trump addressed a crowd in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief, was killed in the incident, while David Dutch and James Copenhaver were seriously injured. Crooks was fatally shot by the Secret Service.

The FBI said Crooks was armed with an AR-style rifle, which was reportedly purchased by his father. Investigators have not yet determined a specific motive for the shooting, but they are considering it a potential act of domestic terrorism. They confirmed that Crooks acted alone and that there are no current public safety concerns.

President Joe Biden addressed the assassination attempt, announcing an independent investigation into security and events at the Pennsylvania rally.

“Last night I spoke with Donald Trump,” the president said Sunday. “I am truly grateful that he is doing well and recovering. We had a brief but interesting conversation. Jill and I are praying for him and his family. We also extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim who was killed.”