The FBI has released a stunning new update on the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, after days of growing public fury and accusations that federal officials were “hiding the truth” about what really happened. The agency’s latest statement, issued late Tuesday evening, confirms that key details of the shooting were previously withheld “for national security reasons” — a move that has only deepened distrust among Trump supporters and lawmakers demanding answers.
The update comes more than a week after the failed attempt on Trump’s life during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the former president was grazed by a bullet in what he later described as “a miracle from God.” The suspected gunman, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot dead by Secret Service agents moments after opening fire — but questions have since mounted over how the shooter managed to get within striking distance in the first place.
In its newly released statement, the FBI acknowledged that several pieces of critical evidence, including surveillance footage and internal communications between security agencies, were initially withheld from public view. “We understand the frustration and speculation surrounding this case,” the Bureau said. “Certain materials were temporarily restricted to protect ongoing operations and classified protocols related to presidential security.”
But that explanation has done little to calm the outrage. On X (formerly Twitter), thousands of users accused the agency of deception. “They knew more than they told us,” one viral post read. “They’re only releasing this now because they got caught.” The hashtag #FBIcoverup has been trending for over 48 hours, with some posts exceeding ten million views.
“The FBI just admitted to withholding surveillance footage from the Trump assassination attempt. People are furious.” @Reuters
Trump himself weighed in on the controversy during a brief appearance at Truth Social, writing, “The American people deserve the FULL TRUTH — no more lies, no more excuses. What they did (or didn’t do) could have cost me my life.” His post has since been shared over 80,000 times, igniting even more anger toward the Bureau and the Secret Service.
Republican lawmakers are now demanding a congressional inquiry into what they call a “catastrophic breakdown of security.” “The FBI’s delay in releasing evidence is unacceptable,” said Senator Ted Cruz. “We need full transparency about what went wrong that day — and whether political bias played a role.”
Sources close to the investigation told CNN that newly reviewed footage shows the shooter positioning himself near a sound tower minutes before the attack — a detail that contradicts early reports claiming agents were unaware of his location. “He wasn’t invisible,” one law enforcement official said. “He was in plain sight. That’s what’s so alarming.”
“New FBI documents confirm the shooter was visible to agents before the first shot was fired.” @guardian
The Bureau also revealed that several witnesses provided conflicting statements about the moments leading up to the attack. Some reported seeing Crooks carrying a bag and acting “nervous” near the press area — while others claimed security had brushed off their warnings. The FBI now says those accounts are being re-evaluated in light of “emerging evidence.”
For Trump’s allies, that’s not good enough. “This was either gross incompetence or deliberate negligence,” wrote political strategist Sebastian Gorka. “You don’t miss a shooter with a rifle standing near the stage unless you’re not looking — or you’re told not to.”
Public trust in federal agencies has plunged since the attack. According to a Pew Research poll released Monday, 67% of Americans now believe the government is “hiding critical information” about the incident. Among Trump supporters, that number rises to a staggering 89%.
“67% of Americans now believe the government is withholding key details about the Trump shooting.” @ABC
The FBI insists that the newly disclosed materials prove no evidence of a broader conspiracy. However, critics note that agents have yet to release full details of the shooter’s communications or any digital records that could shed light on his motives. “They’re still holding back,” said one former agent who spoke anonymously to The New York Times. “It’s not what they’re showing — it’s what they’re not showing that worries me.”
Meanwhile, leaked documents obtained by Axios suggest that multiple federal warnings about potential threats to Trump rallies were sent out weeks before the incident — but some were ignored due to “resource prioritization.” That revelation has fueled calls for top officials to testify under oath before Congress.
As the political firestorm grows, Trump’s campaign is capitalizing on the controversy, framing the incident as proof that “the system is rigged from top to bottom.” At a rally in Atlanta on Wednesday night, he told supporters, “They can try to take me out, but they can’t take out the movement. We’re stronger than ever — and we’ll get the truth.”
“‘They can’t take me out, they can’t take us out’ — Trump responds defiantly after FBI update.” @guardianus
For now, the FBI maintains that the investigation remains “ongoing,” and more updates will be released “as appropriate.” But after days of silence, the agency’s attempt at transparency may have arrived too late to repair the damage. “People don’t believe them anymore,” said one protester outside FBI headquarters. “If they can hide this, what else are they hiding?”
As Washington braces for another wave of hearings and leaked documents, one chilling truth remains: the attempt on Trump’s life has not only shaken his campaign — it’s reignited a national crisis of trust in the very institutions meant to protect him.
