Newly released documents related to the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, have prompted allegations of mishandling by the FBI under the Biden administration. The documents, released Tuesday, include details about the would-be assassin, Thomas Matthew Crooks, and his activities prior to the shooting.
Key Developments:
- Trump alleges FBI mishandling: In a Truth Social post, former President Donald Trump claimed that the FBI under the Biden administration failed to properly investigate the assassination attempt, stating that information was missing, altered, or corrupted by the time he took office in January 2024.
- New documents released: The documents, obtained by Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, reveal that Crooks received packages under the alias “Bob Dole” and that an anonymous donor paid for his cremation following the shooting.
The assassination attempt occurred during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Crooks, 20, fired multiple shots from a rooftop, grazing Trump’s right ear. One attendee was killed, and two others were critically wounded. Crooks was killed by a Secret Service sniper.
Trump’s Statements and Allegations
Trump’s Truth Social post accused the FBI of a “Democrat Plot” to remove him from the 2024 election, alleging that the agency failed to act on warnings about Crooks despite multiple security lapses. He also criticized FBI Director Christopher Wray, referring to him as a “Dirty Cop” who should be held accountable for the handling of the investigation.
Details from the New Documents
The documents released this week provide additional context about Crooks’ activities leading up to the shooting. Among the revelations:
- Crooks used the alias “Bob Dole” to receive packages, including those containing gun parts.
- An anonymous donor covered the cost of Crooks’ cremation shortly after his death.
- The FBI’s investigation concluded in 2025, but questions remain about how Crooks bypassed security measures despite prior warnings.
Ongoing Investigations and Unanswered Questions
Senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is leading an investigation into the security failures that allowed Crooks to carry out the attack. The investigation aims to determine how Crooks obtained firearms and ammunition, as well as why multiple security warnings were not acted upon.
The FBI has not publicly commented on Trump’s allegations. A spokesperson for the agency declined to respond to requests for comment.
Timeline of Key Events
- July 13, 2024: Assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. Crooks is killed by a Secret Service sniper.
- 2025: FBI concludes its investigation into the shooting.
- September 2026: New documents related to Crooks’ activities are released, prompting renewed scrutiny of the FBI’s handling of the case.