Judicial Watch Sues DOJ for Records on Trump Assassin Thomas Crooks

Judicial Watch Lawsuit for Butler Shooting Records

• 🎯 Judicial Watch has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice.
• 📌 The lawsuit demands all records pertaining to Thomas Matthew Crooks, the individual who attempted to assassinate President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.
• 🗓️ This action comes one year after the near-assassination and highlights concerns about the FBI allegedly covering up information since the incident.

Concerns Regarding the Secret Service and FBI Response

• ⚠️ Judicial Watch expresses distrust in the FBI, Secret Service, and the Biden administration to conduct a thorough investigation.
• 🔍 The organization is conducting its own independent investigation, having filed 20 FOIA requests and received some material from local authorities and the Secret Service, though not about the core attack.
• ⏱️ There are criticisms regarding the slow response and perceived inadequacy of the Secret Service's actions in removing President Trump from the scene after the shooting.
• ❓ Questions are raised about the height and abilities of some Secret Service agents to adequately defend the President.

New Information and Ongoing Questions

• 📰 A recent story highlighted a SWAT team member who may have saved the President's life by firing their weapon, preventing further shots from Crooks.
• 👥 It was also revealed that three other men were present near the facility and resisted law enforcement, in addition to Crooks.
• 📸 Judicial Watch received records from the District Attorney's Office in August 2024, including previously unreleased photos of the shooter and graphic body cam footage.
• 🚫 Judicial Watch demands an immediate release of information, stating "no more delays, no more excuses."

Criticisms of Secret Service and FBI Accountability

• 📉 Judicial Watch describes the Secret Service as a "disaster" and questions whether DEI initiatives have improved its performance or if there has been sufficient accountability.
• ⚖️ While some Secret Service members were placed on administrative leave, no one has been fired, and Judicial Watch believes those responsible were not limited to the punished individuals.
• 🏢 The FBI is also criticized for not releasing any documents under FOIA after a year, despite the severity of the attempted assassination.