Lawmakers and investigators express frustration over the Secret Service's alleged obstruction of their inquiry into the failed assassination attempt on former President Trump.
Amidst mounting pressure and accusations of stonewalling, the Secret Service faces scrutiny for its handling of the investigation into the assassination attempt on former President Trump. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed frustration with the agency's lack of cooperation, alleging that their inquiries have been met with evasiveness and withheld information.
Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., criticized the Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service for refusing to provide crucial materials to the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), which is investigating the assassination attempt.
Secret Service Stonewalling on Trump Assassination Probe, Lawmakers Allege
"Things like the autopsy report, the House has it under subpoena, but we do not," Johnson told reporters. He further pointed out that the committee still lacks toxicology reports, trajectory reports, and details about how the crime scene was handled.
The senator emphasized the urgent need for basic information seven months after the July 13 incident. "We haven't been able to interview the sniper who took out [Thomas] Crooks," said Johnson, referring to the would-be assassin who shot Crooks, a rally attendee.
Secret Service Stonewalling on Trump Assassination Probe, Lawmakers Allege
Despite the FBI's promise to provide FD-302 forms outlining interview findings, Johnson said none have been received. "They've done a thousand interviews. We've done 12," he noted.
Johnson alleged that the lack of information is consistent with slow-walking, suggesting that the Secret Service and FBI are intentionally delaying or obstructing the investigation. A recent briefing conducted by Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe failed to provide new insights or address concerns raised by lawmakers.
Secret Service Stonewalling on Trump Assassination Probe, Lawmakers Allege
The Wisconsin Republican highlighted the unusually heavy redactions found in the documents provided to the committee. "These are just whiteouts," he explained, remarking that it was impossible to determine what information had been obscured.
Despite bipartisan outcry, the Secret Service has maintained that it is cooperating with Congress's investigations. However, lawmakers remain skeptical, citing a lack of transparency and the withholding of vital information.
Secret Service Stonewalling on Trump Assassination Probe, Lawmakers Allege
The Secret Service has provided over 2,800 pages of documentation and interviewed employees as requested. However, the volume of inquiries and the finite resources of the agency have necessitated prioritizing responses to certain entities, according to a Secret Service spokesperson.
The investigation into the Trump assassination attempt has been marred by accusations of stonewalling and obstruction. Lawmakers demand full cooperation and access to all relevant materials to ensure a thorough and transparent probe.
Secret Service Stonewalling on Trump Assassination Probe, Lawmakers Allege
