FBI Director Kash Patel, in an exclusive interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier, vowed to provide the American public with ‘everything we know’ about the July 2024 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Patel, who was appointed amid calls for sweeping reform, dismissed conspiracy theories and emphasized the need for transparency, noting that the death of the would-be assassin, Thomas Matthew Crooks, allowed for greater disclosure than in other ongoing cases. Despite a months-long investigation, questions remain about Cro,oks’ motivation and potential security lapses.
Patel, who was appointed amid calls for sweeping reform, pushed back against growing conspiracy theories and insisted that the American people would learn the full truth. He claimed that the death of Crooks allowed for more transparency than in ongoing cases like the Merchant investigation and that relevant disclosures had already been made public. However, the 47th president, Donald Trump, expressed skepticism over the conclusions shared by federal agencies on the Butler assassination attempt, calling the situation ‘a little hard to believe’ as he emphasized his reliance on key allies such as United States Attorney General Pam Bondi and Patel.
Trump’s skepticism about the findings led to further questions about the investigative process and the adequacy of the information provided to the public. During a recent trip to the Middle East, Trump told Baier, ‘We have deep-seated craziness in this country. So far… they tell me it’s fine. But it’s a little hard to believe, to be honest with you.’ The Butler shooting sent shockwaves through the 2024 campaign trail, with Trump surviving the attack and the assailant being killed by law enforcement at the scene. The incident has prompted scrutiny of the U.S. Secret Service’s protective measures for the presidential candidate.
Despite the investigation spanning several months, many questions still remain about Crooks’ potential motives and whether any preventative measures could have been implemented. Patel acknowledged that the public remained largely in the dark nearly a year later, with Baier noting, ‘We knew a lot more about a lot of different people than we know about that guy.’ As the investigation continues, both Patel and Trump are under scrutiny for their handling of the situation and the transparency of the information shared with the public.
The ongoing debate over the assassination attempt has become a focal point in the broader discussion about national security, public trust in government agencies, and the role of investigative journalism in uncovering the truth. With the public still seeking clarity, Patel’s commitment to transparency and Trump’s skepticism over the findings highlight the complex and contentious nature of the case as it unfolds in the public eye.