FBI Director Christopher Wray recently disclosed during a House Judiciary Committee hearing that an individual associated with the agency is under internal investigation for making a post about the attempted assassination of former President Trump that he deemed “totally inappropriate.” The remarks were made while Wray was testifying under oath about the shooting incident at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, as well as the subsequent probe into the assailant, Thomas Matthew Crooks.
When questioned by Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, regarding whether any FBI agents had expressed disappointment that Trump survived the assassination attempt or made any inappropriate comments, Wray stated that he was not aware of any agents engaging in such behavior. However, he did mention that there was one instance where an individual posted something he found outrageous and unacceptable. This individual has since been referred to the FBI’s inspection division for further investigation.
During the hearing, Wray also provided details about Crooks’ activities leading up to the assassination attempt. Crooks had reportedly searched for information about the John F. Kennedy shooting on his laptop and flown a drone in the vicinity of the rally just two hours before Trump’s appearance.
Despite ongoing investigations, the FBI has not been able to determine how Crooks accessed the roof of the building from where he took aim at Trump. Wray noted that while Crooks had purchased a ladder, it was not found at the scene. This raises questions about how he managed to reach the vantage point without the use of a ladder.
In a significant development, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned one day prior to Wray’s testimony, following criticism from both Democrats and Republicans regarding the security lapse at the Trump rally. The pressure from various quarters ultimately led to Cheatle’s resignation.
As the FBI continues its investigation into the incident, questions remain about the motive behind Crooks’ actions and how he was able to carry out the assassination attempt. The agency’s efforts to uncover the truth are ongoing, with Wray emphasizing the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.
In light of these revelations, concerns about security measures at political events have been reignited, prompting calls for stricter protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The fallout from the assassination attempt has highlighted the need for enhanced vigilance and coordination among law enforcement agencies to safeguard public figures and ensure their safety at all times.
