Former Secret Service agent for Trump, Nick Steen, shares his perspectives on the testimony of Acting Director Ronald Rowe as investigators delve into the assassination attempt on the former president.
Former Secret Service agent for former President Trump, Nick Steen, recently joined Fox & Friends First to weigh in on his key takeaways from the testimony of Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe. The discussion stemmed from the ongoing investigation into the assassination attempt on Trump.
Steen highlighted the "unwinnable position" that Rowe finds himself in, emphasizing the intricacies involved in the probe. He acknowledged that while Rowe possesses expertise, navigating the complex political landscape can be taxing.
Secret Service Vet: Acting Director Faces 'Unwinnable Position' Amid Trump Assassination Probe
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has contracted with Cellebrite, an Israeli technology firm, to assist in the investigation into Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old Pennsylvania man who attempted to assassinate Trump at a rally on July 13th. Sources with knowledge of the investigation confirmed Cellebrite's involvement.
American law enforcement agencies have utilized Cellebrite's services for years to break into smartphones from various Big Tech firms using different mobile operating systems. In this case, Cellebrite aided investigators in accessing Crooks' phone within 24 hours of the shooting, but the company has no knowledge of the investigation's findings, according to the source.
Secret Service Vet: Acting Director Faces 'Unwinnable Position' Amid Trump Assassination Probe
The broader investigation extends beyond accessing data on Crooks' phone. The FBI has served legal process to providers of encrypted messaging services, seeking information related to the gunman's communications. Authorities have encountered difficulties in accessing encrypted apps, highlighting concerns about potential encrypted messages.
FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate acknowledged the challenges posed by encrypted communications during a Senate hearing. He stated that the bureau has encountered varying returns from encrypted applications used by Crooks.
Secret Service Vet: Acting Director Faces 'Unwinnable Position' Amid Trump Assassination Probe
Once investigators obtain the necessary legal authorization, Cellebrite provides tools that facilitate access to encrypted apps and hidden data on a suspect's smartphone, explained David Gee, Cellebrite's chief marketer. He emphasized that most modern smartphone apps utilize some form of encryption and often store data outside the United States.
Reports indicate that Crooks used encrypted apps and had data stored overseas, prompting questions about his potential connections. This is further exacerbated by the acknowledgment from federal authorities that they were aware of an Iranian threat on Trump's life prior to the assassination attempt.
Secret Service Vet: Acting Director Faces 'Unwinnable Position' Amid Trump Assassination Probe
Abbate confirmed that investigators have discovered no evidence of co-conspirators but stressed that the encrypted information remains a wildcard. The FBI continues to analyze the available information, including activity from social media accounts potentially used by Crooks, which expressed diverse perspectives.
Trump announced his plans to return to Butler for a rally to honor the bystander who was killed during Crooks' assassination attempt. Corey Comperatore, 50, was struck by a stray bullet fired by Crooks, resulting in his death. David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74, were critically injured in the incident.
Secret Service Vet: Acting Director Faces 'Unwinnable Position' Amid Trump Assassination Probe
