Written by Joshua Harding.
The FBI is facing serious allegations following the shooting of former President Donald Trump during a Pennsylvania rally last month. Ben Shaffer, a SWAT counter-sniper on duty that day, has come forward with claims of “evidence tampering” by the FBI. Shaffer’s accusations have intensified suspicions around the bureau’s handling of the investigation.
During a panel discussion with five House Republicans, Shaffer provided testimony about the events immediately after the shooting. He expressed concerns about the rapid cleanup of the AGR International building’s roof, where the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crook, was stationed. This quick scrubbing of biological evidence, along with the disposal of Crook’s body before an official autopsy, raised red flags among the attending lawmakers.
The involvement of the FBI in the cleanup has led many to question their motives. Congressman Cory Mills of Florida pressed Shaffer on why the roof was cleared so soon, despite its slope allegedly preventing counter-sniper operations. Shaffer agreed it was suspicious, further fueling concerns about the FBI’s role in this investigation.
Testimony Raises Further Questions
As more details emerged, the handling of Crook’s body became another focal point. The FBI’s decision to release and cremate Crook’s remains without informing the coroner has been viewed as highly unusual. Rep. Mills questioned Shaffer on this, pointing out that the coroner had no knowledge of the release, which only deepened suspicions.
Adding to the controversy, former Navy SEAL Erik Prince described the situation as a clear “destruction of evidence.” His comments echoed the concerns of Rep. Clay Higgins, who highlighted the FBI’s swift actions as troubling. Higgins, a former police officer and current member of the House select task force, published a preliminary report criticizing the FBI’s handling of the case. He lamented that without access to Crook’s body, he couldn’t verify the accuracy of the coroner’s report, casting doubt on the entire investigation.
The FBI, however, has denied any misconduct. They issued a statement refuting claims that they interfered with congressional efforts or tampered with evidence. Despite their denial, the allegations continue to cast a shadow over the investigation, leading to ongoing scrutiny from lawmakers and the public alike.
Our Take
This situation paints a troubling picture of potential government overreach. The FBI’s actions raise serious concerns about transparency and accountability in investigations involving high-profile figures. If the accusations are true, this kind of behavior undermines public trust in law enforcement agencies. Regardless of political affiliation, every American should be concerned when the government appears to be operating in secrecy and potentially obstructing justice.
