Critics are currently targeting the FBI for its actions following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
Fox News reported that an attack during his campaign rally on July 13, 2024, led to controversial decisions by the FBI, which are now under scrutiny.
Rep. Clay Higgins, a member of a bipartisan congressional task force, has vocally criticized the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He argues that the agency's swift release of the crime scene and cremation of suspect Thomas Matthew Crooks' body could hinder the investigation's integrity. Mishandled evidence collection protocols and timeliness have reportedly raised doubts among local officials and law enforcement circles.
Clay Higgins described the confusion surrounding the body's release:
My effort to examine Crooks’ body on Monday caused quite a stir and revealed a disturbing fact: the FBI released the body for cremation 10 days after J13. Nobody, including the County Coroner, law enforcement, Sheriff, and others, knew this until Monday.
The FBI cleared the crime scene at Butler, Pennsylvania only three days following the tragic event, where a local firefighter was also fatally injured. This rapid turnover has been criticized for potentially compromising crucial forensic evidence. Higgins stressed that such a hasty clearance is unusual in law enforcement practices.
According to the congressman, specific procedural lapses point to a disconnect between the anticipated meticulousness in such major incidents and the actual conduct. "Cops don’t do that, ever," Higgins remarked, implying that the quick sanitation of the scene was out of the ordinary.
In defense, the FBI claimed its approach was by the book. An FBI spokesperson clarified, "The FBI has been working closely with our law enforcement partners to conduct a thorough investigation into the shooting, and we have followed normal procedures in the handling of the crime scene and evidence."
They also refuted claims that the release of Crooks' body was meant to obstruct the congressional investigation, calling these allegations "inaccurate and unfounded."
Higgins highlighted the complexity of authority over the body, emphasizing the crucial role of the Butler County Coroner. Although the coroner had legal control, Higgins believes the FBI decisively influenced the decision to release the body for cremation.
Rep. Cart Higgins explained his findings:
“Yes, the Butler County Coroner technically had legal authority over the body, but I spoke with the Coroner, and he would never have released Crooks’ body to the family for cremation or burial without specific permission from the FBI. We will actually never know. Yes, we’ll get the reports and pictures, etc., but I will not ever be able to say with certainty that those reports and pictures are accurate based on my own examination of the body.”
While federal agencies face scrutiny, residents and emergency services have earned commendation for their prompt and effective response to the crisis. Nonetheless, the situation has intensified debates about the efficacy and transparency of national security agencies.
This incident highlights how rapid response and thorough investigation balance delicately, impacting public trust and law enforcement credibility.
As the investigation continues, parties await further details and official reports to clarify the events of July 2024. Meanwhile, Congressman Higgins' task force focuses on uncovering the truth behind the procedural controversies.
