Written by David Matthews.
Sen. Josh Hawley has sent a letter to BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, seeking details about the firm’s ties to Thomas Matthew Crooks, the alleged shooter in the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump. The situation took an unexpected turn when it was revealed that Crooks had appeared in a BlackRock commercial, prompting speculation about his connections to the influential investment firm.
In his letter, Hawley emphasized the need for transparency regarding BlackRock’s association with Crooks. He requested that Fink preserve all records related to the advertisement and any communications between the company and Crooks, his family, or his school. Hawley stressed the importance of this information for Congress’s ongoing investigation into the shooting, underscoring the public’s right to know the truth.
Crooks’s connection to BlackRock is still unclear, but Hawley wants to uncover any potential significance. The investment firm is known for using its market power to push leftist policies, such as “decarbonization,” by influencing corporate boards. Hawley’s inquiry aims to determine if there are deeper ties between Crooks and BlackRock that could shed light on the motive behind the assassination attempt.
Homeland Security Failures
On the same day he wrote to Fink, Hawley also contacted the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) about the Secret Service’s security failures. The assassination attempt not only endangered Trump but also resulted in the death of a firefighter and the hospitalization of two others. Hawley’s letter to the DHS IG criticized the Secret Service and DHS for their inability to protect the former president and prevent violence at a peaceful political event.
Hawley raised several critical questions regarding the shooter’s identity, motive, and actions, as well as the decision to establish a security perimeter that failed to include the shooter’s position. He urged the IG to provide answers “as soon as possible,” emphasizing the need for accountability and swift action to address these security lapses.
In the meantime, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee on Monday. Her testimony is expected to address the security failures and provide further insights into the events leading up to the assassination attempt. Hawley’s demand for answers reflects a broader concern about the effectiveness of the Secret Service and DHS in protecting high-profile political figures.
Our Take
Sen. Hawley’s relentless pursuit of answers regarding the Trump shooter’s link to BlackRock and the security failures highlights a significant issue. The public deserves transparency and accountability from both the investment firm and the government agencies responsible for ensuring the safety of our leaders. The revelation of Crooks’s appearance in a BlackRock commercial raises questions about the extent of his connections to the firm, and the subsequent security lapses demand thorough investigation.
The American people have the right to understand the full context of these events, especially when they involve potential threats to public figures and the integrity of our political system. Hawley’s efforts to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable are crucial steps in maintaining public trust and ensuring that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
