Judicial Watch Alleges FBI Involvement in Shocking Trump Incident

Judicial Watch is accusing the FBI of covering up an alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

At a Glance

FBI withheld information on FOIA request about coordination between the FBI and Secret Service regarding a rally where Trump was shot.
Judicial Watch criticized FBI and Secret Service for their handling of the shooting incident.
Republican lawmakers blame President Joe Biden for inciting the attempted assassination.
The shooter was identified as a 20-year-old registered Republican who had also previously donated to the Democratic Party, killed by a Secret Service sniper.
Judicial Watch is preparing for litigation following FOIA denial.

Judicial Watch Accuses FBI of Cover-Up in Alleged Assassination Attempt on Former President Donald Trump

Judicial Watch, a prominent conservative watchdog group, has leveled significant accusations against the FBI for allegedly covering up details surrounding an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The watchdog group claims the FBI has not only neglected to pursue a thorough investigation but also withheld critical information, adding fuel to an already smoldering debate over the transparency and political motivations of federal institutions.

The controversy stems from a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request made by Judicial Watch for records related to an incident at a July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump was reportedly shot. The FBI, citing FOIA exemption 7(A), declined to release information, claiming it could interfere with enforcement proceedings.

Legal Maneuvers and Allegations

Judicial Watch is resolute in its pursuit of transparency. The organization filed a FOIA request on July 26 for an extensive array of records connected to the rally from June 15, 2024, onward. The FBI’s rejection of this request has led Judicial Watch to prepare for litigation, asserting that the lack of openness by the FBI and the Secret Service is inexcusable.

“Were there others involved in the assassination attempt on Trump? If not, then why would the FBI use the excuse of protecting someone’s right to a fair trial to hide records on the FBI’s and Secret Service’s inexcusable failures to protect Trump from being nearly assassinated,” stated Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton.

Fitton did not hold back in his criticism of the current administration either, saying, “The Biden-Harris administration is running a major league cover-up on the near assassination of former President Trump.”

FBI engaged in 'major-league cover-up' of Trump assassination attempt: @JudicialWatch https://t.co/8eu4FjyBqc

— Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) August 13, 2024

Political Repercussions and Public Outcry

The fallout from this incident has spilled over into the political arena, intensifying the scrutiny of President Joe Biden. Republican lawmakers, including Georgia Rep. Mike Collins and Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn, have pointedly criticized Biden’s rhetoric and accused his administration of bearing some responsibility for the assassination attempt. Biden’s comment to donors about putting Trump “in a bullseye” has been cited as incitement, escalating tensions further.

Biden subsequently condemned the attack and called for national unity against violence. He also ordered a security review at the rally, acknowledging the need for a thorough investigation. Despite this, Republican figures like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Sen. J.D. Vance have faulted the administration for the inflammatory rhetoric they believe contributed to the violence.

“The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was identified as a 20-year-old registered Republican who was fatally shot by a Secret Service sniper after firing at Trump,” according to various news sources. This identification has only served to complicate the narrative, prompting further questions about the motivations behind the attack.

Ongoing Investigations and Future Implications

The Secret Service has also come under fire for refusing to honor FOIA requests related to the shooting, mirroring the lack of transparency that has infuriated Judicial Watch and its supporters. The group has stated that it has over 25 FOIA and open records requests pending concerning the incident, many of which are awaiting responses from various officials and agencies.

In light of these allegations and ongoing investigations, Judicial Watch’s quest for accountability shows no sign of slowing down. The outcome of their legal actions could significantly impact public trust in federal institutions, raising essential questions about the impartiality, transparency, and political influence within these agencies.

“The Biden-Harris administration is running a major league cover-up on the near assassination of former President Trump,” Fitton argues.

As the situation develops, the American public, especially those with conservative and patriotic leanings, will be watching closely. The implications of these investigations and the alleged cover-up could have profound effects on how federal agencies are perceived and trusted by citizens in the years to come.