Exclusive: BlackRock Ad Featuring Controversial Figure Sparks Outrage.

BlackRock has removed an advertisement featuring Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old gunman who authorities say shot and injured former President Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania last Saturday.

Crooks was one of several students featured in the 2022 ad, which showcased an advanced placement and honors economics teacher at Bethel Park High School near Pittsburgh. The ad, similar to others produced by the investment firm, highlighted BlackRock’s efforts in managing retirement plans for teachers across the U.S.

Crooks appeared twice in the ad for a total of two seconds as an unpaid background participant, according to BlackRock. The firm stated that it will make all video footage available to authorities and has removed the ad out of respect for the victims.

In addition to Trump, who was injured but is safe, at least three other people were harmed during the shooting. Pennsylvania residents David Dutch and James Copenhaver were injured but are in stable condition, according to state police. Corey Comperatore of Sarver, Pennsylvania, was shot and killed during the assassination attempt.

BlackRock stated, “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 firm added that it “strongly condemns political violence of any kind and will do our part to promote civility and unity in the country.”

The advertisement was discovered Sunday by Laura Loomer, a right-wing activist and former Republican congressional candidate. It quickly gained attention among conspiracy theorists, some of whom baselessly claimed the assassination attempt was planned by the investment firm.

“Ties discovered between BlackRock and Trump shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks, featured in their programming,” Rumble livestreamer Matt Wallace wrote Sunday on X. “THIS WAS ALL PLANNED,” he added.

Separately, BlackRock reported second-quarter earnings on Monday, with an 11% year-over-year increase in profit 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 compared to last year.

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