Congressman Waltz Provides Info He Received As Investigation Continues

In a chilling follow-up to the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, the FBI is intensifying its investigation by seeking access to three encrypted accounts allegedly linked to the shooter, Thomas Crooks. This development comes amid swirling rumors of an Iranian plot, adding another layer of complexity to the case.

Republican Congressman Michael Waltz shared insights from his discussions with FBI agents on Jesse Watters Primetime. Waltz revealed that the FBI believes Crooks may have connections to foreign accounts, fueling speculation about a broader, more sinister motive behind the July 13 shooting. “The shooter had three encrypted accounts overseas. At the same time, we’re having an Iranian plot,” Waltz said, hinting at a deeper investigation set to unfold starting Monday.

The FBI’s focus on these encrypted accounts is part of a larger effort to understand Crooks’ motivations. The bureau is also trying to authenticate a post on the gaming platform Steam, allegedly made by Crooks, that hinted he would make headlines on the day of the attack.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has joined other leaders in calling for U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to step down. They are frustrated with what they perceive as a lack of resources and accountability within the Secret Service. Cheatle, however, has no plans to resign, emphasizing the need for continuity in leadership as the agency undergoes internal reviews and investigations.

The Secret Service’s handling of the assassination attempt has come under intense scrutiny. Crooks was able to scale a building and fire eight rounds at Trump before being neutralized by the Secret Service’s counter-sniper team. The building he used was reportedly a police tactical team staging area, raising serious questions about security lapses. An officer did observe Crooks carrying a range finder and “scoping out” the roof but did not intervene immediately. By the time officers approached, Crooks was already on the roof, belly-crawling into position.

Crooks had previously been flagged as suspicious but not as an immediate threat. His ability to carry out the attack despite these red flags has prompted calls for a thorough review of the Secret Service’s protocols and resources.

In the aftermath, House Speaker Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise have expressed their dissatisfaction with Cheatle’s leadership. Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the Secret Service, defended Cheatle, citing her commitment to transparency and leadership through the agency’s internal investigation.

Meanwhile, U.S. officials are scrutinizing the potential Iranian connection. The National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson emphasized that while Iranian threats against former Trump administration officials have been monitored for years, there is no current evidence linking the shooter to any foreign or domestic accomplices. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Nasser Kanaani, denied any involvement, dismissing the rumors as politically motivated.

A February threat assessment by the U.S. intelligence community highlighted Iran’s ongoing desire for retribution against Trump for the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani in 2020. Despite these tensions, Kanaani reiterated Iran’s denial of involvement in the recent attack.

Thomas Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, had a troubled background marked by bullying and social isolation. Described by former classmates as a loner, Crooks was often the target of harassment. He had recently secured a spot in a college engineering program and was known for his interest in shooting, holding a membership at the Clairton Sportsmen’s Club.

Despite his registered Republican status, Crooks had made a small donation to the liberal ActBlue political action committee on Biden’s Inauguration Day. His search history indicates he had downloaded pictures of politicians from various political affiliations before the attack, further muddying the waters regarding his true motives.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here