A Washington Regional SWAT counter-sniper has expressed serious concerns about the handling of evidence following the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally.
Ben Shaffer, who was involved in the response to the shooting, criticized the rapid cleaning of the roof of the AGR International building and the disposal of gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks’ body before the release of the official autopsy report.
The allegations were discussed during a panel organized by five House Republicans—Reps. Andy Biggs and Eli Crane of Arizona, Matt Gaetz and Cory Mills of Florida, and Chip Roy of Texas—at the Heritage Foundation.
Mills questioned the FBI’s actions, particularly the decision to clean the roof, which was deemed too sloped for counter-sniper positions but somehow not too sloped for evidence removal.
Shaffer agreed that the handling of evidence appeared problematic. Former Navy SEAL Erik Prince described the actions as indicative of evidence destruction. The panel also highlighted discrepancies in former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle’s testimony, which cited the roof’s slope as a reason for not stationing counter-snipers.
Mills and Shaffer expressed concerns about the FBI’s transparency, especially regarding Crooks’ online research into explosives and encrypted messaging accounts from abroad. Shaffer noted that Crooks’ behavior, including his use of a rangefinder, should have elevated him from a “suspicious person” to a “person of interest” for further investigation.
The gunman fired eight shots, injuring Trump and killing rallygoer Corey Comperatore, while critically wounding two others. The Butler County Coroner later ruled Crooks’ death a homicide due to a gunshot wound to the head. Reports revealed that the FBI released Crooks’ body for cremation ten days after the shooting.
Lawmakers, including Rep. Michael Waltz, remain unconvinced by the claim that Crooks acted alone and are scrutinizing the investigation’s handling. Waltz raised questions about Crooks’ use of international encrypted platforms and his knowledge of explosives.
The FBI defended its procedures, stating that the crime scene was handled according to standard protocols and that the investigation remains transparent. The Bureau emphasized its commitment to thoroughness and cooperation with Congress and the public.
The investigation into the assassination attempt continues as lawmakers and the public seek clarity on the circumstances surrounding the shooting.