BlackRock has removed an advertisement from years ago that featured Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old gunman accused of shooting and injuring former President Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
Crooks was one of several students featured in a 2022 advertisement that highlighted the work of a teacher at Bethel Park High School near Pittsburgh. Similar to other commercials produced by the investment firm, the ad showcased BlackRock’s efforts in managing retirement plans for teachers across the U.S.
In the ad, Crooks appeared twice for a total of two seconds as one of several unpaid students in the background. BlackRock stated that it will provide all video footage to authorities and has removed the video out of respect for the victims.
Apart from Trump, who was injured but is safe, three other people were harmed during the shooting. Pennsylvania residents David Dutch and James Copenhaver are in stable condition, according to state police, while Corey Comperatore of Sarver, Pennsylvania, was shot and killed in the incident.
“The assassination attempt on former President Trump is abhorrent,” BlackRock stated. “We are thankful that former President Trump wasn’t seriously injured and are thinking of all the innocent bystanders and victims, especially the one who was killed.” The firm emphasized its condemnation of political violence and commitment to promoting civility and unity in the country.
The advertisement was found on Sunday by Laura Loomer, a right-wing activist and former Republican congressional candidate, and quickly gained attention from conspiracy theorists. Some baselessly claimed that the assassination attempt was planned by the investment firm.
BlackRock also reported its second-quarter earnings on Monday, showing an 11% increase in profit year-over-year and an 8% rise in revenue. The New York-based firm now manages a record $10.64 trillion in assets for clients, a 13% increase from last year.