The FBI is actively seeking to interview former President Donald Trump following an assassination attempt, sources tell Fox News. Fox News correspondent CB Cotton reports that the FBI’s investigation is intensifying, with new details emerging about the threats against Trump.
FBI Director Christopher Wray faced rigorous questioning during a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. Lawmakers, including Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), pressed Wray on the FBI’s knowledge of threats against Trump, particularly those allegedly originating from Iran.
Rep. Jordan demanded clarity on when the FBI became aware of Iran’s threats to Trump’s life. “When did the FBI learn that Iran was threatening President Trump’s life?” Jordan queried, highlighting concerns about the timeliness and effectiveness of the FBI’s response to such serious threats.
During the hearing, Wray provided some insight into the investigation but remained cautious in his comments due to the ongoing nature of the case. He acknowledged the seriousness of the threats and assured the committee that the FBI is taking all necessary measures to protect the former president and investigate the sources of these threats.
In a surprising turn, Wray raised the possibility that Trump may not have been hit by a bullet during the assassination attempt. This assertion has sparked controversy, with the Trump campaign vehemently denying the claim. “Anyone who believes this conspiracy bull**** is either mentally deficient or willfully peddling falsehoods,” a campaign spokesman stated. The debate over this claim adds another layer of complexity to an already charged investigation.
Donald Trump and his Republican allies are pushing back against the FBI director’s claim the former president may not have been hit with a bullet. FBI Director Christopher Wray said there was “some question” about whether Trump’s ear was struck by a bullet or shrapnel when a gunman opened fire on him during a rally earlier this month. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, slammed Wray for his comments and said it was “unfortunately” a bullet that clipped his ear. South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham sent a letter to Wray today accusing him of “creating confusion” that undercuts the FBI’s credibility and asked for Wray to correct his testimony.
Rep. Massie raised specific questions about the methods used in the assassination attempt, including the use of a ladder by the would-be assassin. “How did the FBI handle the intelligence regarding the ladder used by Trump’s would-be assassin?” Massie asked, pointing to the need for detailed scrutiny of the security breaches that led to the attempt.
The attempted assassination has raised alarms about the safety and security protocols for former presidents. It has also underscored the persistent threats from international adversaries, with Iran being a significant focus of the investigation. The hearing revealed the complex and ongoing challenges faced by federal law enforcement agencies in countering such threats.
Meanwhile, a newly-emerged video shows the first time a local SWAT team and Secret Service agents entered the building from which eight shots were fired. This footage is expected to play a crucial role in piecing together the sequence of events and understanding the exact nature of the assassination attempt.
As the FBI continues its investigation, Trump remains a central figure in the probe. The agency’s request to interview him marks a critical step in understanding the full scope of the threats and the details surrounding the assassination attempt.
The situation has also stirred political debates about the adequacy of current security measures for former presidents and the implications of foreign threats on U.S. soil. Lawmakers are calling for increased transparency and accountability from the FBI and other security agencies to ensure the safety of high-profile political figures.
The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as the FBI gathers more information and takes steps to mitigate any future threats.
