Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) released preliminary findings on the assassination attempt on Donald Trump.
Johnson found, as listed in a press release:
- “Secret Service did not attend a security briefing provided to local special weapons and tactics (SWAT) and sniper teams the morning of July 13, 2024;
- “Local law enforcement said communications were siloed and they were not in frequent radio contact directly with Secret Service;
- “Local law enforcement notified command about Crooks prior to the shooting and received confirmation that Secret Service was aware of the notification;
- “Following the shooting Secret Service was seen on the roof of the American Glass Research (AGR) building with local law enforcement; photos of the shooter were sent to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) for facial recognition; and
- “Secret Service was initially not going to send snipers to the rally, according to local law enforcement.”
“To date, the Department of Justice (DOJ), DHS, and FBI have failed to provide any of the requested information and have not even confirmed that they will preserve the relevant records,” the report said, adding, “Without transparency, the truth behind the assassination attempt will never be fully revealed and understood.”
The report noted that “local SWAT and sniper teams operated on separate radio channels from patrol.” According to those who shared the information with Johnson’s office, “communications had to be routed to Butler ESU command, who would then relay information to either Secret Service or other local law enforcement patrols.”
Others informed Johnson’s office that the Secret Service “was not going to send their own snipers to the rally and that local law enforcement would need to go ‘sniper heavy’ in order to ensure proper coverage.”
“We are releasing this document to provide the public with complete transparency and to ensure that all entities examining the assassination attempt are equipped with this information,” the report read. “We are also hoping it prompts others—both in law enforcement and the general public—to come forward.”
Johnson’s report also included a preliminary timeline based on the information obtained by his office.
Some of the events included in the timeline include when Trump’s alleged shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, entered a Home Depot and purchased a ladder, the moment when Crooks was spotted by a sniper, and when materials reportedly belonging to Crooks were discovered.
Johnson then requests Attorney General Merrick Garland, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and FBI Director Christopher Wray answer several questions, including, “When did Secret Service alter its initial decision not to send sniper units for the July 13, 2024 rally?” and “Local law enforcement have stated that a number of individuals were detained near the AGR building after the attempted assassination of former President Trump. How many individuals were detained near the AGR building?”
