Judicial Watch Accuses FBI of Cover-Up in Alleged Assassination Attempt on Former President Donald Trump
At a Glance
- Judicial Watch claims FBI withheld vital information on alleged Trump assassination attempt.
- The FBI cited FOIA exemption 7(A) to justify withholding records.
- Judicial Watch is preparing for litigation following the FBI’s denial of their FOIA request.
- Republican lawmakers blame President Biden and Democrats for the attempted assassination.
Judicial Watch Accuses FBI of Cover-Up
Judicial Watch, a well-respected conservative watchdog organization, has leveled serious accusations against the FBI. The organization claims that the FBI is engaged in a cover-up concerning an alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Focusing on an incident that occurred at a July 13 rally in Butler, PA, Judicial Watch alleges that the FBI has not conducted a thorough investigation and has failed to disclose crucial information to the public.
The issue gained traction when Judicial Watch filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request on July 26 seeking various records related to the FBI’s preparation and coordination for Trump’s rally. The FBI cited FOIA exemption 7(A) to deny releasing these records, claiming that the release “could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings.” This response from the FBI has done little to quell the suspicions of political bias and lack of transparency within the federal agency.
Growing Suspicion and Legal Actions
The refusal of the FBI and the U.S. Secret Service to honor FOIA requests has only added fuel to the fire. Judicial Watch is now preparing for litigation, citing the stonewalling by these agencies as evidence of a broader cover-up orchestrated by the Biden-Harris administration. Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said, “The Biden-Harris administration is running a major league cover-up on the near assassination of former President Trump.”
“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,” Fitton further remarked.
BREAKING: The FBI withheld information on a FOIA request for information about its coordination with the U.S. Secret Service regarding the July 13 Butler, PA, rally at which former President Trump was shot (1/3). https://t.co/FbesRl0ddc
— Judicial Watch ⚖️ (@JudicialWatch) August 12, 2024
Political Reactions and Rhetoric
Adding another layer to the controversy, Republican lawmakers have pointed fingers directly at President Joe Biden. Nearly a dozen lawmakers have accused Biden and the Democrats of inciting violence against Trump, pointing to Biden’s controversial comment about putting Trump “in a bullseye.” Although Biden has condemned the attack and called for unity against violence, his critics argue that his prior rhetoric played a role in inciting the violence. Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Rep. Mike Collins from Georgia have criticized Biden’s rhetoric and the delayed official response to the incident.
Biden did take steps to mend fences by ordering a review of the security at the rally and even held a respectful conversation with Trump over the phone. However, these actions have not been enough to mitigate the criticisms from Republican leaders. Sen. Tim Scott and Rep. Steve Scalise also blasted the inflammatory rhetoric used by Democrats and the media, asserting that such language only serves to further divide the nation and incite violence.
“The Biden-Harris administration is running a major league cover-up on the near assassination of former President Trump.” – Judicial Watch
Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee, along with several other GOP members, have been vocal in their condemnation of the entire situation. They argue that efforts by Democrats to end Trump’s Secret Service protection and the inflammatory comments made by leftist figures have contributed to the assassination attempt.
As the debate continues, the fundamental question remains: Are federal agencies such as the FBI and the Secret Service truly unbiased when dealing with high-profile political figures, or is there a bias affecting their transparency and effectiveness? Only time and further investigation will tell.
“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,” Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said.
Moving forward, Judicial Watch has over 25 FOIA and open records requests pending related to the shooting of Trump. The organization remains steadfast in its quest to uncover the truth, holding federal agencies accountable in their role as guardians of transparency and justice.
Sources
- Judicial Watch: FBI Refuses to Release Trump Assassination Records
- July 17, 2024, coverage of the Trump assassination attempt
- After assassination attempt, Trump and Biden seek calm, unity
- Republicans accuse Biden of inciting Trump shooting
- Investigators Unlock Gunman’s Phone in Search for Motive in Trump Shooting
- Ted Cruz, Secret Service leader tangle at Senate hearing over assassination attempt