Congressional Task Force Investigates Assassination Attempts on Trump Amid ATF Document Delays

Document with the word "Subpoena" in bold.

A congressional task force investigating assassination attempts on President-elect Trump has subpoenaed ATF employees after months of delayed responses, raising questions about the agency’s cooperation in the high-profile case.

At a Glance

  • Congressional task force investigates two assassination attempts on Trump from July and September
  • ATF accused of stonewalling investigation by withholding documents and personnel
  • Subpoenas issued to two ATF employees after multiple unanswered requests
  • Investigation focuses on July Butler shooting and September attempt at Trump International Golf Club
  • Task force seeks information on improvised explosive device and suspect’s encrypted communications

Task Force Takes Action Amid ATF Delays

The congressional task force investigating two assassination attempts against President-elect Donald Trump has taken decisive action by issuing subpoenas to employees of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This move comes after months of alleged stonewalling and inadequate responses from the agency regarding crucial evidence and documentation related to the attacks.

The investigation centers on two serious incidents: a July 13 shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, that resulted in Trump’s injury and the death of a rally attendee, and a September attempt near Trump International Golf Club. The task force’s primary focus is to uncover details about the ATF’s response to these events and gather information on key pieces of evidence, including an improvised explosive device found during the initial incident.

Subpoenas Issued After Repeated Requests

Frustration mounted as the ATF failed to adequately respond to 17 specific document requests made by the task force on October 3 and November 6. The agency’s October 22 response was deemed insufficient and late by congressional investigators, prompting more aggressive action.

“For weeks, ATF had not produced any requested documents or made any personnel available for interviews with the Task Force. However, less than one hour after the Task Force served its subpoenas yesterday for depositions, ATF made its first set of documents available to the Task Force” the release stated.

The subpoenas target two key ATF employees: a field agent involved in the July response and a supervisory agent. These individuals are expected to provide critical insights into the agency’s handling of the assassination attempts and subsequent investigations.

Details of the Assassination Attempts

The July 13 incident in Butler, PA, involved suspect Thomas Matthew Crooks, who used an AR-15 rifle in his attempt to assassinate Trump. The attack resulted in Trump’s injury, the death of one rally attendee, and two others wounded. Investigators are particularly interested in Crooks’ encrypted accounts across multiple countries, including Belgium, New Zealand, and Germany, which may provide crucial information about the plot’s origins and potential collaborators.

“The Task Force specifically outlined seventeen requests for document production, even going so far as to note which were the priority items. In addition, the Task Force identified three categories of requests for transcribed interviews with relevant ATF agents” a letter states.

The second assassination attempt in September, carried out by Ryan Routh near Trump International Golf Club, adds another layer of complexity to the investigation. The task force is working to uncover the motives behind this separate incident and any potential connections to the earlier attack.

Implications of ATF’s Delayed Response

The ATF’s apparent reluctance to cooperate fully with the congressional task force has raised concerns about transparency and the agency’s commitment to resolving these serious security breaches. The delayed responses and withheld documents have not only hampered the investigation but also fueled speculation about potential oversights or mishandlings in the immediate aftermath of the attacks.

As the investigation continues, the task force’s ability to compel testimony and document production through subpoenas may prove crucial in uncovering the full scope of these assassination attempts and ensuring that all relevant information is brought to light. The coming weeks are likely to see increased scrutiny of the ATF’s role and response to these alarming incidents that threatened the life of the President-elect and the safety of American citizens.

Sources:

  1. Trump assassination attempt task force subpoenas 2 ATF employees, alleging stonewalling
  2. Task force on Trump assassination attempt subpoenas ATF, demanding interviews, documents
  3. Trump assassination attempt task force subpoenas 2 ATF employees, alleging stonewalling

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR