FBI Dismisses Allegations of Mishandling Attacker's Body After Attempt on Trump's Life

Amid swirling controversy, the FBI defends its procedures against claims of improper conduct following an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

The dispute centers on the FBI’s handling of suspect Thomas Matthew Crooks' remains, which critics argue compromised the investigation, as Fox News reports.

The incident began on July 13, when Crooks attempted to assassinate Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. The situation escalated when Rep. Clay Higgins, a member of a bipartisan congressional task force, accused the FBI of mishandling the crime scene and subsequent procedures.

According to Higgins, the FBI released Crooks' body for cremation on July 23, without properly notifying local authorities, a move he contends obstructed further investigation. His discovery came during a visit to Butler in early August, where he learned the cremation had already occurred. Higgins criticized the FBI for what he perceived as premature actions, including the cleaning of biological evidence at the crime scene, which he claimed was out of the ordinary for law enforcement.

Representative Higgins Questions FBI's Procedures

The FBI, however, maintains that their actions were standard procedure. They claim to have worked closely with law enforcement partners to ensure a thorough investigation of the shooting, which also resulted in the tragic death of firefighter Corey Comperatore and injuries to two others.

Higgins expressed frustration over the delay in receiving coroner’s and autopsy reports, which he noted were a week late as of August 5. He argues that these delays and the handling of evidence severely limit the task force’s ability to conduct a complete investigation.

Despite the FBI's reassurances, Higgins remains skeptical of the thoroughness of the information now available, stating, "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 according to my own examination of the body."

Butler County's Role Highlighted by Higgins

In contrast to his criticisms of federal agencies, Higgins commended the Butler County Emergency Services Unit for their professionalism. He pointed out discrepancies in the readiness of other security details, noting that the Secret Service had lapses in their preparations for the day of the incident.

Higgins also discovered details about Crooks' actions on July 13, including the exact location from which he fired at the former president. A SWAT operator was notably proactive, moving toward Crooks to take a critical shot that contributed to neutralizing the threat.

The lawmaker's preliminary investigatory report emphasizes these findings, suggesting that local law enforcement was quick to act while federal responses may have faltered.

Controversial Claims Surround FBI's Evidence Handling

Higgins has been vocal about his suspicions regarding the FBI's influence over the congressional investigation. He specifically pointed out the unusual quick release of the crime scene and the subsequent cleanup, which included removing biological evidence -- a practice he insists is not typical: "Cops don’t do that, ever."

The FBI's statement refuted these claims, reiterating that their procedural follow-through with the crime scene and evidence was by the book. They described the actions taken, including the coordination of the crime scene cleanup, as normal.

As tensions between the congressional task force and the FBI continue, Higgins pledges to extend his investigation beyond the events of July 13. He stated, "I have not investigated the life and actions of Thomas Matthew Crooks outside of his actions on J13. But I will. We will. We’re just getting started, Mr. Chairman."

Final Summary of Congressional Investigation

In conclusion, the ongoing controversy between Rep. Higgins and the FBI encapsulates significant disagreements over how the investigation into the assassination attempt was handled.  While Higgins criticizes the FBI for its rapid processing of the crime scene and subsequent evidence, the FBI stands by its actions as standard operational procedure.

Meanwhile, local law enforcement has been lauded for their response, setting a stark contrast to the federal-level critique. This case continues to develop as new facts are uncovered and additional investigations are conducted.