FBI Seeks to Interview Trump in Assassination Attempt Probe

The FBI is aiming to interview former President Donald Trump as part of its investigation into the assassination attempt on him, seeking a victim statement since he is considered a crime victim, according to a US official.

In a statement on Thursday, the FBI mentioned that investigators are still analyzing bullet fragments and other evidence from the attack on Trump during his rally in Pennsylvania this month. The agency reaffirmed that it has always regarded the shooting as an attempted assassination.

This statement was issued in response to inquiries about FBI Director Christopher Wray’s testimony on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. Wray mentioned there is still some uncertainty about whether Trump was struck by a bullet or shrapnel.

Questions regarding Trump’s injury have sparked political controversy. Trump has claimed he “took a bullet for democracy,” and his campaign has refuted any suggestions to the contrary.

“Anyone who believes this conspiracy nonsense is either mentally deficient or willfully spreading falsehoods for political reasons,” Trump adviser Steven Cheung told CNN.

During the House Judiciary hearing on Wednesday, Wray provided new information about Trump’s would-be assassin. He revealed that the suspect had researched the John F. Kennedy shooting and flew a drone near the rally area two hours before Trump took the stage.

Despite criticism from Republicans about the FBI’s ongoing investigation and conclusions regarding the projectile, Wray was praised by representatives from both parties for shedding light on the investigation into the gunman. This bipartisan commendation contrasted with the earlier testimony of then-Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who resigned on Tuesday after facing accusations of stonewalling from both Democrats and Republicans.

When asked about the proximity of the “assassin’s bullet” to killing Trump, Wray responded, “My understanding is that either it or some shrapnel is what grazed his ear.” He concurred that it came very close to killing the former president.