The suspect in the attempted shooting of former President Donald Trump on Saturday was apprehended while wearing merchandise associated with the popular YouTube channel, Demolition Ranch.
The incident occurred during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania where Trump was addressing a crowd of supporters. Authorities killed the suspect, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, after he allegedly fired several shots toward the stage where Trump was speaking.
Authorities noted that Crooks was wearing a T-shirt from Demolition Ranch, a YouTube channel known for its firearms and demolition content. The channel, hosted by Matt Carriker, boasts millions of subscribers and features videos that explore the capabilities of various firearms and explosive devices.
On Instagram, Carriker posted a photo of the downed suspect wearing the merchandise with the words: "What the hell."
Newsweek has contacted Carriker via Instagram for comment.
Carriker, a veterinarian by trade, started the Demolition Ranch channel as a hobby in 2011. Initially a small channel for firearm enthusiasts, the channel has grown exponentially since its inception, now attracting over 11 million subscribers and billions of views.
The channel is known for its high-energy content, including unconventional experiments, demonstrations, gun reviews, and educational content on firearms safety and handling.
Carriker has run several other successful YouTube channels, including "Vet Ranch," where he and fellow veterinarians provide medical care to homeless animals, and "OffTheRanch," a vlog channel offering a glimpse into his personal life and various projects.
The success of Demolition Ranch paved the way for other ventures. Carriker expanded his reach beyond YouTube and collaborated with numerous brands while also launching a line of merchandise.
According to the Demolition Ranch merchandise website, Carriker now has a net worth of $4.3 million, including real estate investment. His estimated yearly income is $445,000 to $504,000.
"Matt Carriker's monthly salary is $24,000 to $27,000 and he makes around $13,000 to $15,000 per month from his YouTube channels. He gets over 17 million views per month on his main YouTube channel," states the website.
Demolition Ranch merchandise includes clothing accessories for men and women, as well as youth designs and baby onesies.
Another project of Carriker's, Desperado's Shooting Range, in Texas, claims to offer "a premier shooting experience set against the backdrop of stunning natural beauty. Our private range caters to shooters of all skill levels, providing a safe and welcoming environment for enthusiasts to hone their marksmanship skills and embrace their passion of the shooting sports."
Newsweek reached out to Desperado's Shooting Range outside of working hours on Sunday for comment.
About the writer
Emma Marsden is a freelance news reporter for Newsweek who has lived in the U.K and the U.S. Her interests ... Read more
