Sen. Ron Johnson has criticized federal law enforcement for their handling of the investigation into the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, calling their actions ‘entirely wrong.’
The ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee told DailyMail.com that the Justice Department’s response has been ‘jaw-dropping,’ and he took issue with the FBI’s conduct, suggesting that they believe themselves to be ‘above the law.’
Johnson also expressed concerns about the rapid cremation of the would-be assassin, Thomas Matthew Crooks, following the June 13 attack in Butler, Pennsylvania. Crooks, 20, was shot by the Secret Service after firing a bullet that grazed Trump’s right ear. The attack resulted in the death of one supporter and left two others critically injured.
Despite the ongoing investigation into the incident, Crooks’ body was cremated shortly after the attack, which has raised questions among lawmakers.
‘I think the FBI, Department of Justice, and Secret Service are handling this investigation in all the wrong ways,’ Johnson told DailyMail.com during an interview at Trump Tower in Chicago. ‘For the public to have confidence in the investigation, it must be transparent.’
On the day of the attack, Crooks, who had legally obtained an AR-style rifle from his father, was found on a roof approximately a football field’s length from where Trump was speaking at the rally. His vehicle, parked nearby, contained explosives, and additional bombs were discovered at his parents’ home.
Johnson revealed that his team has requested access to interviews conducted with witnesses and security personnel involved in the investigation but has yet to receive any of the requested materials. ‘We asked for them,’ he said, ‘and we haven’t received anything.’
He criticized the agencies for being ‘nearly completely opaque,’ which he believes undermines public trust in their investigation. Johnson also expressed concern that his committee’s efforts might be shifting towards an ‘investigation of the investigation’ rather than focusing on the attack itself.
