Trump Calls FBI Probe a 'Democrat Plot' After New Documents in 2024 Butler Shooting

President Donald Trump renewed criticism of the FBI and Democrats after a new batch of documents was released this week related to the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

On Truth Social, Trump wrote: "Everybody knows the Crooked Joe Biden FBI didn't do what they should have with respect to the Lunatic who shot me in Butler, PA. By the time I got into Office, on January 20th, most of the information was missing, altered, corrupted, or gone. New info was just found! Why wasn't it seen long ago? This was all a Democrat Plot, to get me out of the Election, that failed. Dirty Cop Christopher Wray should pay a price for the way he handled this assassination attempt, and certainly for the things he said."

What The Documents Reveal

The records were provided to Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is reviewing how the shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, was able to breach security and fire multiple rounds from a rooftop during the rally. The files offer further detail about Crooks' activities before and after the attack.

Reported highlights include purchases made under the alias "Bob Dole" that allegedly contained parts and tools for an assault rifle and were shipped to Crooks' parents' address. The documents also indicate an anonymous donor paid for Crooks' cremation shortly after the attack; a note in the files reportedly said the family could not afford funeral expenses.

The Known Facts

The July 13 attack killed one attendee, critically wounded two others and struck President Trump in the ear. Crooks was shot dead at the scene by a Secret Service agent. Authorities have not publicly identified a motive, and the FBI formally closed its investigation in 2025.

Christopher Wray, who served as FBI director at the time, was singled out in Trump’s post. Wray at the time described the shooting as "an attack on our democracy" and expressed sympathy for the president and other victims. Trump has publicly criticized aspects of the bureau's handling of the case and questioned some of the agency’s public statements.

Responses And Ongoing Questions

Newsweek sought comment from the White House and the FBI. It remains unclear whether the newly released records will prompt a fresh federal inquiry into the bureau’s conduct or into remaining gaps in the response to the attack.

The Secret Service has faced scrutiny for its handling of the event and has since adopted additional security measures, including the use of drones and mobile command posts. Despite the influx of documents, major questions remain about how the shooting was able to unfold and what, if any, new evidence might explain Crooks' motive.

Editors' Contacts: Gabe Whisnant and Sam Wilson.