Investment giant BlackRock has pulled a controversial advertisement following revelations that Thomas Matthew Crooks, the gunman involved in the recent shooting at a Trump rally, appeared in the ad.
The incident, which took place at a rally near Pittsburgh, resulted in the injury of former President Donald Trump and the death of an attendee.
Good morning, today is day 3 of asking why Kimberly Cheatle, the Director of the Secret Service hasn’t resigned yet after her massive failure and gross incompetence. pic.twitter.com/NoHSiSE1P0
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 15, 2024
BlackRock confirmed that Crooks, a former student at Bethel Park High School, appeared briefly in a 2022 commercial featuring a teacher from the same school.
The video, which went viral on social media, has since been removed from circulation. In a statement, BlackRock expressed abhorrence at the violent act and reiterated its commitment to promoting civility and unity.
Stunning. On this uniquely impactful morning, #MSNBC pulls its signature show #MorningJoe, for fear that some jackwagon panelist would say something grotesquely inappropriate. Profoundly pathetic… and probably a wise move on their part. pic.twitter.com/JqqDSGfz9f
— Mark Davis (@MarkDavis) July 15, 2024
The company, a significant investor in gun manufacturers such as Sturm Ruger and Smith & Wesson, emphasized its stance against political violence.
BlackRock has cooperated fully with authorities, providing all relevant video footage from the advertisement.
The shooting has sparked widespread reactions and calls for increased security measures at political events. This incident adds to the ongoing debate about gun control and political violence in America.
In a related development, BlackRock announced record assets under management, totaling $10.6 trillion in their latest quarterly earnings report, underscoring the firm's substantial influence in the financial sector.
