The congressional task force investigating the assassination attempts against former President Donald Trump in July and September has accused the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) of failing to produce requested materials. The task force sent a letter to the ATF on Oct. 3 with 17 requests for production and three categories of requests for interviews with relevant ATF agents. The ATF’s response on Oct. 22 was deemed insufficient, as it did not produce any documents or materials related to the requests.
The task force is particularly interested in the case of 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, who attempted to assassinate Trump with an improvised explosive device (IED) at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Crooks also fatally shot a rally attendee and wounded two others before being apprehended. The ATF played a role in retrieving and investigating evidence connected to Crooks’ firearm and residence, but has not provided the task force with the requested documents and materials. The task force is seeking answers about the planning and execution of the assassination attempt.
The ATF responded to the task force’s letter stating that it is fully committed to working with them and has provided a thorough factual briefing clarifying that the agency had no formal role in the security of the campaign event where the assassination attempt took place. The ATF is collaborating with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security to address the task force’s information requests while protecting the integrity of ongoing investigations. The task force has set a deadline of Nov. 13 for the ATF to respond to their requests.
Among the 17 requests for production, the task force is seeking all documents and materials related to ATF’s critical incident response on July 13, 2024, including the investigation of the IED found at Crooks’ home and his vehicle. Crooks had encrypted accounts on multiple platforms based in Belgium, New Zealand, and Germany, raising questions about his motives and activities. Investigators are also looking into why Ryan Routh, the suspect in the September assassination attempt in West Palm Beach, pointed a rifle toward Trump outside the Trump International Golf Club.
The task force is working to determine the motives behind both assassination attempts against Trump and the individuals involved. Crooks’ attempt in Pennsylvania resulted in fatalities and injuries, while Routh’s attempt in Florida was thwarted before any harm was done. The ATF’s failure to produce requested materials has hindered the task force’s investigation, but they are continuing to press for answers and information. The collaboration between the task force, ATF, and other agencies is aimed at uncovering the truth behind these violent incidents and ensuring the safety of all individuals involved.
