A SWAT counter-sniper involved in the Pennsylvania rally where former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt last month has voiced concerns over the handling of evidence following the incident. Ben Shaffer, a Washington Regional SWAT counter-sniper, agreed with Republican lawmakers on Monday that there was an “odd” pattern in how the aftermath of the shooting was managed.
Shaffer’s concerns centered on the quick cleanup of the AGR International building’s roof and the disposal of gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks’ body before an official autopsy report was released. During a panel discussion hosted by five House Republicans at the Heritage Foundation, including Reps. Andy Biggs (AZ), Eli Crane (AZ), Matt Gaetz (FL), Cory Mills (FL), and Chip Roy (TX), Shaffer was questioned about the sequence of events.
“Do you find it odd that literally only days after the attempted assassination on President Donald J. Trump… the FBI went ahead and tampered, in my opinion, with evidence by washing the roof off that may have had significant evidence on it?” Mills asked, referring to the July 13 shooting at the Butler, PA campaign event that left one person dead and three others, including Trump, injured, via The Daily Mail.
“Yes, absolutely,” Shaffer replied, further agreeing with former Navy SEAL Erik Prince, who suggested it “sounds like destruction of evidence.”
Controversy has also surrounded the decision to not place counter-sniper teams on the AGR International building, where Crooks had perched. Former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who later resigned, cited the building’s “sloped roof” as the reason. However, Shaffer argued that Crooks’ presence at the Butler Farm Show with a rangefinder scope should have raised red flags and warranted further investigation by law enforcement.
Crooks, who was observed with the rangefinder just 33 minutes before targeting Trump, fired eight shots, striking Trump in the ear and killing rallygoer Corey Comperatore. Two others were critically wounded. Counter-sniper teams returned fire, but it remains unclear if one or both of their shots killed Crooks. The 20-year-old’s death was ruled a “homicide” by a “gunshot wound to the head,” according to an August 2 report by Butler County Coroner William Young.
Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA), a member of the House select task force investigating the shooting, revealed that the FBI released Crooks’ body for cremation just 10 days after the attack. This decision, along with Crooks’ alleged use of encrypted messaging platforms overseas, has raised further questions among lawmakers, including Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL).
“Why does a 19-year-old kid who is a health care aide need encrypted platforms not even based in the United States?” Waltz asked, expressing doubts that Crooks acted alone and calling for more proof from the FBI.
In response, the FBI issued a statement denying any interference in the investigation. The bureau emphasized its commitment to transparency, stating, “The FBI has been working closely with our law enforcement partners to conduct a thorough investigation into the shooting, and we have followed normal procedures in the handling of the crime scene and evidence.”
The statement added that the crime scene was released in phases and that Crooks’ body was handled according to standard procedures. The investigation remains ongoing, with the FBI continuing to share information with Congress and the public.