‘FBI covering up!’: Tucker Carlson clashes with FBI over Trump shooter Crooks; Kash Patel fires back

Here's a summary of the provided YouTube video transcript, maintaining the original language and technical precision:

Key Concepts

• Assassination Attempt: The July 2024 attempt on US President Donald Trump's life.
• Thomas Matthew Krooks: The gunman responsible for the assassination attempt.
• FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation): The agency investigating the incident and responding to public accusations.
• Tucker Carlson: Former Fox News host who made accusations against the FBI.
• X (formerly Twitter): The platform where Carlson made claims and the FBI responded.
• Secret Service: The agency responsible for protecting the President and other high-ranking officials.
• Butler, Pennsylvania: The location of the assassination attempt.
• Encrypted Tools: Digital technologies used by the gunman to obscure his online activity.
• Communication Breakdown: A central theme of the hearing, referring to failures in information sharing between agencies.
• Perimeter of an Event: The defined area of security around a rally or event.
• High Ground: A tactical concept referring to elevated positions that offer an advantage, such as a rooftop.
• CAT Team (Counter Assault Team): Specialized units within the Secret Service for rapid response.
• Counter Surveillance Teams: Teams responsible for monitoring for threats and suspicious activity.
• Threat Assessment: The process of evaluating potential dangers to protectees.
• Suspicious Behavior vs. Threat: The distinction between actions that raise concern and those that constitute a direct danger.

FBI's Response to Accusations

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has publicly refuted claims made by former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. Carlson alleged that the FBI had lied about the online activity of Thomas Matthew Krooks, the gunman who attempted to assassinate US President Donald Trump in July 2024. Carlson suggested that the FBI concealed evidence of Krooks's online presence and hinted at further revelations on his X account.

The FBI directly responded via its new X handle, stating that it "never stated that Krooks had no online footprint at all." This new X handle was launched to combat what the FBI describes as an "avalanche of misinformation" targeting its operations.

The Assassination Attempt and Initial Investigation

The incident occurred at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024. Krooks opened fire from a rooftop, killing one person and injuring President Trump. Secret Service agents shot and killed Krooks shortly after the attack. Investigators initially reported that Krooks left no manifesto and utilized encrypted tools, which made it difficult to trace his digital behavior. Officials indicated that this encrypted activity contributed to early uncertainty regarding his online presence.

Congressional Hearing: Failures and Communication Breakdowns

A congressional hearing focused on the security failures surrounding the assassination attempt. Key points and arguments raised include:

• Secret Service Suspensions: Six Secret Service agents were suspended in 2025 following a review that identified significant failures in the protective operation.
• Rally Pausing Protocol: Questions were raised about why the rally was not paused when a threat was identified. The Director stated that the Secret Service would have paused the rally if a legitimate threat was identified, implying that at the time of the shooting, the identified behavior was considered suspicious rather than an immediate threat.
• Communication Between Agencies: A significant concern was the perceived breakdown in communication between local law enforcement, the FBI, and other agencies present at the rally. Law enforcement officials expressed that their concerns were not always taken seriously.
• Perimeter and Rooftop Security: The Director confirmed that the perimeter of the event did not include the rooftop where the shooter was positioned. However, she clarified that the Secret Service's responsibility is to ensure the safety of the event and the protectee, and that the rooftop being outside the perimeter was not being offered as an excuse for the failure.
• Threat Level and Security Compliment: It was revealed that President Trump was facing a heightened security threat due to foreign adversaries. Despite this, the security complement provided was based on the threat assessment at the time, and it was acknowledged that this was not the same level of security a sitting US President would receive. Specifically, a full CAT team and counter-surveillance teams were not on site.
• Director's Actions and Site Visit: The Director's personal involvement and actions were questioned. She had not visited the site of the assassination attempt nine days after the event and had not spoken to the agents who surrounded the President on the night of the incident, only speaking with them approximately 72 hours later.
• High Ground Mitigation: Security experts and lawmakers emphasized the critical importance of securing elevated positions ("high ground") at such events. The AGR building's rooftop, from which Krooks fired, was identified as a key vulnerability.
• Excuses for Inaction: The Director's explanation for not securing the AGR rooftop, citing concerns about the roof's slope and safety, was heavily criticized. Lawmakers presented evidence that counter-snipers were placed on steeper roofs, and that the AGR rooftop's slope was not an impediment to security or ADA compliance. This was characterized as "pathetic excuses."
• Recreation of Events: A demonstration was described where an individual with no prior long gun training, using an AR-15, successfully achieved a 94% hit rate on a sloped roof at 130 yards, highlighting the feasibility of the shooter's position and the danger it posed.

Protocol for Postponing/Cancelling Events

Director Cheeto clarified the protocol for postponing or cancelling an event based on a threat. She distinguished between "suspicious behavior" and a "threat." At the time Krooks was identified, he was displaying suspicious behavior. The FBI was still awaiting interviews to determine what specifically identified him as suspicious and what those behaviors were. When asked if suspicious behavior standards differ for events with a President, she stated that the identification of suspicious behavior is up to law enforcement or citizens, regardless of the event type or protectee.

Conclusion

The hearing underscored significant concerns regarding the Secret Service's preparedness and the FBI's handling of information related to the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. Key takeaways include a perceived lack of effective inter-agency communication, questionable decision-making regarding security protocols, and a failure to adequately address potential threats from elevated positions. The FBI's proactive use of its X handle to counter misinformation highlights the ongoing challenges in managing public perception and factual reporting in high-profile investigations. The discussion also touched upon the broader issue of gun violence and its impact on public safety, particularly in the context of political rallies during an election year.