BlackRock Condemns Gunman’s Appearance in Advertisement after Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump

BlackRock Inc., the biggest money manager in the world, has confirmed that Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old gunman who shot former President Donald Trump, briefly appeared in one of its advertisements. The company has condemned the attack and stated that the students, including Crooks, featured in the ad were unpaid extras. BlackRock has promised to provide the ad footage to the authorities and remove it from circulation.

The assassination attempt on former President Trump was described as abhorrent by BlackRock, expressing gratitude that Trump wasn’t seriously injured and remembering the innocent bystanders affected by the incident. The company is scheduled to release its earnings report on Monday, with expectations of a significant revenue surge. Previously, BlackRock has faced scrutiny for its index funds’ ownership of shares in gun manufacturers.

The revelation of Crooks’ appearance in a BlackRock ad has added a new dimension to discussions surrounding the shooting. Republicans believe the incident could bolster support for Trump in the upcoming elections. The FBI is investigating Crooks’ motive, treating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and an assassination attempt. BlackRock’s acknowledgment comes ahead of its earnings report, with the company showing a gain in stock price and a year-to-date increase.