A member of the Bipartisan Assassination Task Force has accused the FBI of impeding their investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

According to Fox News, Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., a task force member, recently expressed frustration with the FBI's lack of cooperation during a recent appearance on Fox News Sunday.

Waltz contrasted the FBI's unresponsiveness with the U.S. Secret Service's (USSS) willingness to share information about the July 13 incident in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The task force, established to investigate the assassination attempt on Trump during a rally in Butler, has been working to uncover details about the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, and the circumstances surrounding the incident. While the USSS has taken full responsibility for security failures, the FBI's reluctance to provide information has raised concerns among task force members.

FBI's Silence Raises Questions About Investigation

Rep. Waltz highlighted the stark difference between the USSS and FBI's approaches to the investigation. He commended the Secret Service for being forthcoming about its failures in communication, guidance to local authorities, and command post setup. However, Waltz expressed disappointment with the FBI's lack of transparency.

The congressman's allegations of FBI "stonewalling" come more than two months after the assassination attempt. This delay in sharing information has left task force members with limited knowledge about Crooks, his motivations, and how he acquired the skills to construct improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Waltz called for FBI Director Christopher Wray and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to hold a press conference similar to the one conducted by the USSS. Such a briefing could potentially address the growing concerns about the FBI's role in the investigation and provide much-needed clarity on the incident.

Redacted Documents And Unanswered Questions

Adding to the task force's frustrations, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisc., ranking member of the HSGAC Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, revealed that the few documents provided by the FBI were heavily redacted. Johnson expressed surprise at the extent of the redactions, suggesting an unusual level of information concealment.

The lack of transparency extends beyond the Butler incident. Waltz mentioned "mounting bipartisan frustration" with the FBI regarding Iran's alleged multiple ongoing plots to assassinate Trump and the regime's hacking of Trump campaign information.

The congressman claimed that when questioned about these issues behind closed doors, the FBI refused to provide any information to the Intelligence Committee.

Bipartisan Concerns And Calls For Action

Despite the partisan nature of current politics, the task force's concerns appear to transcend party lines. Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-Penn., another task force member, agreed that it "makes sense" to investigate the second apparent assassination attempt against Trump that occurred at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on September 16.

Dean emphasized the importance of condemning all forms of political violence, stating:

I want to set a baseline, which is that political violence has no place in this country.

This bipartisan agreement on the need for a thorough investigation underscores the seriousness of the situation and the potential implications for the safety of elected officials in the current political climate.

Calls For Greater Transparency And Accountability

The task force's allegations against the FBI have sparked calls for greater transparency and accountability in the investigation process. Some lawmakers have suggested issuing subpoenas to compel the FBI to provide the necessary information.

The incident has also prompted discussions about the adequacy of security measures for high-profile political figures. The USSS's acknowledgment of its failures in the July 13 incident has led to a reevaluation of protocols and procedures for protecting elected officials.

As the investigation continues, the task force faces the challenge of balancing the need for a thorough inquiry with the sensitive nature of the information involved. The ongoing tension between the task force and the FBI highlights the complexities of interagency cooperation in high-profile cases.

Why This Story Matters

This story doesn't just relate to a failed assassination attempt; it underscores a crucial crossroad for national security protocols and the accountability of those mandated to protect the nation's leaders. The incident shakes the foundation of trust between the public and the security bodies, highlighting an urgent need for reformed measures and transparent procedures.

Conclusion

The House Task Force's investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Trump has revealed a stark contrast between the cooperation levels of the USSS and the FBI. Rep. Mike Waltz's accusations of FBI stonewalling have raised concerns about the transparency of the investigation and the potential implications for national security.