Trump Demands Answers Seven Months After Pennsylvania Assassination Attempt, Hints at Releasing Investigation Report
Former President Donald Trump is publicly pressing for answers regarding the assassination attempt that occurred during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13th. Seven months after the incident, Trump voiced his continued frustration and desire for transparency, hinting at the potential release of an investigation report related to both the Pennsylvania shooting and a subsequent assassination attempt in Florida.
Trump addressed the matter during an executive order signing at the White House, stating, "I want to find the answers." He emphasized that the responsibility for withholding information could no longer be attributed to former President Joe Biden, implying that any existing reports should have been made public long ago.
The July 13th rally in Butler was marred by tragedy when gunman Thomas Crooks, a 20-year-old, opened fire, killing rally attendee Corey Comperatore and critically wounding two others, David Dutch and James Copenhaver. Trump himself was grazed in the ear by a bullet during the attack.
An investigation summary of the Pennsylvania incident reportedly concluded that the rally was a "failure for the Secret Service," leading to recommendations for "several operational, policy, and organizational changes." The report’s contents have not been released publicly, but Trump’s remarks suggest a critical assessment of the Secret Service’s performance in protecting him.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Trump survived a second assassination attempt just two months later. This incident occurred while he was golfing at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, where Ryan Routh, 58, allegedly attempted to assassinate him. Routh remains in federal custody.
During a Q&A session with the media in the Oval Office, Trump informed Fox News senior White House correspondent Peter Doocy that he was expecting to receive a report detailing both incidents sometime next week. "I want to release it," Trump noted, signaling his willingness to make the findings public.
Trump raised questions about the background and motives of the alleged Pennsylvania shooter, Thomas Crooks. "[Crooks] had three [cellphone] apps, two of which were foreign, supposedly, and who has the biggest white-shoe law firm in Pennsylvania, even though they dont live in necessarily a white-shoe area," Trump speculated. "Whats that all about?" His remarks suggest potential connections or influences that he believes warrant further investigation.
He further highlighted the unusual circumstances surrounding Ryan Routh, the alleged assailant in the Florida incident. "The other one had seven or six cellphones, and I dont have six cellphones," Trump said. "Why would somebody have six cellphones. So, were going to be releasing a report on that soon. Its a lot of cellphones, and a couple of them had some strange markings on them." Trump’s focus on the number of cellphones and their "strange markings" implies potential communication with unknown parties or involvement in illicit activities.
Trump expressed concern over the perceived lack of information about the incidents, stating that "it makes me think a little bit." He specifically pointed to the presence of "foreign" apps on Crooks’ cellphones and the FBI’s alleged reluctance to report on it. "I say when you have three apps and two of them are foreign, and you had an FBI that wouldnt report on it — they didnt want to say why — I would say that could be suspicious," Trump said.
He also acknowledged the Secret Service’s efforts in intercepting Routh, who was reportedly spotted aiming a rifle at one of Trump’s security detail in bushes. This suggests a potential near-miss and underscores the gravity of the threat.
Trump reiterated his desire for transparency and expressed a willingness to release the investigation report. "I want to find out, and I would be willing to release it," Trump said. "I mean, maybe theres a reason that we shouldnt. So, I dont want to get too far ahead of my skis. But, yeah, I would be very willing to release that. I want to see that one myself." His cautious approach suggests a potential awareness of sensitive information or political considerations that could impact the decision to release the report.
The unanswered questions surrounding the two assassination attempts have fueled speculation and heightened concerns about Trump’s security and the potential for political violence. Trump’s continued pursuit of answers and his willingness to release the investigation report could shed light on the circumstances surrounding these incidents and provide valuable insights into the threats faced by prominent political figures. However, it remains to be seen whether the report will be made public and what information it will contain. The potential release of the report could have significant political ramifications, depending on its findings and the extent to which it implicates individuals or organizations. The public awaits further developments with considerable anticipation.
