The investigation into Thomas Matthew Crooks, the would-be assassin of former President Trump, has revealed little information about the shooter. Rep. Mike Waltz, a member of the Bipartisan Assassination Task Force, criticized the FBI for not being forthcoming with their investigation. While the U.S. Secret Service has taken responsibility for their failures at the July rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Crooks fired shots from a rooftop, the FBI has not provided much information. Waltz expressed frustration at the lack of details about Crooks, his encrypted accounts, and how he learned to build IEDs.
FBI Director Christopher Wray initially stated that there was a question about whether the object that hit former President Trump’s ear was a bullet or shrapnel. However, the bureau later confirmed that it was, in fact, a bullet fired from Crooks’ rifle. Waltz called for Wray and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to hold a press conference similar to the one held by the USSS. Senator Ron Johnson also criticized the FBI for heavily redacting documents provided to lawmakers, indicating a lack of transparency in the investigation.
In addition to the lack of information about Crooks, the investigation has raised concerns about Iran’s involvement in multiple plots to kill Trump and their hacking of Trump campaign information shared with the Biden-Harris campaign. Waltz expressed frustration with the FBI for not providing information to the Intelligence Committee about these threats. The ongoing scrutiny of the USSS following the shooting at the Trump rally has highlighted concerns about the safety of elected officials in today’s hyper-partisan environment.
The task force investigating the assassination attempt is also looking into a second apparent assassination attempt against Trump at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Rep. Madeleine Dean emphasized that political violence has no place in the country and condemned all acts of violence. The growing bipartisan frustration with the lack of cooperation from the FBI has led to calls for subpoenas to compel the agency to provide more information. Waltz and Dean are committed to uncovering the truth behind the assassination attempt and ensuring the safety of elected officials in the future.
