Staff Reports
In a classic case of the FBI reopening old wounds, Director Christopher Wray found himself in hot water after suggesting that former President Donald Trump may have been merely grazed by “shrapnel” rather than hit by a bullet during an assassination attempt. This eyebrow-raising statement, delivered in front of Congress, can only be described as the FBI’s audacious attempt to rewrite history, reminiscent of an overzealous editor making changes to a bestselling novel they didn’t even write.
After some well-deserved backlash, the FBI hurriedly backpedaled, issuing a statement affirming that a bullet, in some form, did indeed strike Trump. However, the damage was already done, and the reaction was swift. Congressman Tom Tiffany expressed the collective disappointment felt by many, pointing out the absurdity of the FBI’s conspiracy theorizing after years of targeting Trump. If anything was clear, it’s that once an agency loses credibility, it needs more than a statement to regain public trust; it needs a miracle.
Wray’s assertions directly contradicted the evidence from various trusted sources, including Trump himself, the emergency room doctors who treated him, and even The New York Times, which concluded that the first bullet from the would-be assassin indeed grazed Trump’s ear. One must wonder if Wray, in his attempts to navigate the situation, forgot that the actual victim was still around to refute his fanciful claims. It’s as if he got caught up in a political drama and decided adding a plot twist was more entertaining than sticking to the facts.
Adding to the drama was the fact that the hearing itself was already a circus, with House Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer opening the event by stating that confidence in the FBI was at an all-time low. Perhaps the best way for Wray to show he’s serious about accountability would be to issue an immediate apology for his incorrect assessment and serve the rest of his term in silence. Instead, with every passing minute, he only showcased that the FBI’s dive into conspiracy theory seems to be a reoccurring theme fueled by partisanship.
FBI Director Christopher Wray reopens old wounds as bureau asks whether Trump was hit with bullet – https://t.co/fJGekPSiDv – @washtimes @FBI
— Ralph Smith (@RalphSmith47) July 28, 2024
Even seasoned veterans, like Thomas J. Baker, a former FBI agent who was on the scene during Ronald Reagan’s shooting, found Wray’s comments puzzling. The straightforwardness with which such issues should be addressed has clearly been lost in a sea of bureaucratic fog. Baker pointed out that a victim-witness like Trump should have been prioritized in any investigation. Yet here we are; the FBI is instead left chasing its tail, trying to make sense of its own missteps, all while pretending that it’s still viewed as the organization of integrity it wishes it was.
One thing is for sure: the FBI might need to brush up on their credibility-boosting skills if they plan to regain the support of the American people, especially considering their history of dubious actions leading up to and following the 2016 election. From wiretapping Trump campaign advisers to disregarding the Hunter Biden laptop scandal, their track record hardly inspires confidence. The circus is alive and well in Washington, and it doesn’t seem like it’s leaving the stage anytime soon.
