Sen. Ron Johnson has accused the FBI and Secret Service of stonewalling a Senate probe into last month’s assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump. Johnson claims that both agencies have been uncooperative by providing redacted documents and failing to turn over important interview transcriptions in a timely manner. He expressed his frustration with the lack of cooperation during an appearance on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” and stated that the investigation has been difficult due to the information withheld by the FBI and Secret Service.
The assassination attempt in question involved Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old who managed to crawl onto a rooftop on July 13 and fire eight shots, one of which grazed Trump’s right ear. The shooting resulted in the death of firefighter Corey Comperatore and left two other attendees seriously injured. Crooks was killed by law enforcement at the scene. Johnson criticized the investigation for raising suspicions and fueling conspiracy theories, particularly noting the release of Crooks’ body for cremation before autopsy and toxicology reports were completed.
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chair, Gary Peters, is leading the inquiry into the assassination attempt in the Senate. In addition to the Senate investigation, there are probes being conducted by a bipartisan House task force and the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Inspector General. The Secret Service has faced criticism for security lapses leading up to the attack, which took place during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The incident was the closest a gunman had come to killing a sitting or former US president since the 1981 attempt against President Ronald Reagan.
Following the attack, Kimberly Cheatle resigned as Secret Service director amidst political pressure. Multiple officials within the protective agency were also reassigned to administrative duties due to the security failings that occurred. The investigations into the incident have put a spotlight on the Secret Service and raised questions about their protocols and procedures. The FBI and Secret Service have been contacted for comments on the allegations made by Senator Johnson, with the FBI denying any interference in the congressional probe. The FBI reiterated their commitment to transparency and sharing information with Congress as the investigation continues.
The FBI defended its handling of the crime scene and evidence, stating that they have followed standard procedures in their investigation. The bureau is dedicated to providing a complete picture of the events leading up to the shooting and maintaining transparency throughout the process. Despite Senator Johnson’s complaints about the handling of Crooks’ body, the FBI spokesperson maintained that their actions were in line with normal procedures. The Senate, currently on recess, is expected to reconvene next month to continue their investigation into the assassination attempt against former President Trump and address the issues raised by Senator Johnson regarding the cooperation of the FBI and Secret Service.
