Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) has released a preliminary report on the July 13 assassination attempt against President Donald Trump, revealing unsettling details about the investigation’s handling. The report, based on Higgins’ fact-finding mission to Butler, Pennsylvania, raises questions about evidence preservation and agency cooperation.
Higgins, a member of the House Bipartisan Task Force investigating the incident, discovered that the body of the would-be assassin, Thomas Matthew Crooks, had been cremated just 10 days after the event. This action, apparently authorized by the FBI without notifying local authorities, has hindered further examination.
“The hasty disposal of crucial evidence is deeply concerning,” said Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO). “We must ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into this attack on our democracy.”
The congressman’s report also highlighted an unusual move by the FBI in cleaning up biological evidence from the crime scene. Higgins deemed this action “unheard of” and potentially obstructive to ongoing investigations.
Details of the shooting itself were also revealed. Crooks fired eight shots from a rooftop approximately 150 yards from Trump’s position. A local SWAT officer engaged the shooter, with the final shot reportedly coming from a Secret Service sniper.
Questions have arisen about communication issues during the incident. Higgins noted that Secret Service counter-sniper teams failed to retrieve pre-arranged radio equipment, potentially compromising coordination efforts.
An FBI spokesperson expressed surprise at the allegations, stating all actions were conducted according to standard procedures. The Secret Service has committed to a thorough review of the incident.
As the investigation continues, Higgins promises a more comprehensive report in the coming weeks. “The American people deserve the full truth,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of transparency in this high-profile case.
The House task force is expected to release its final report by December 13, shedding further light on this unprecedented attack on a former president.
