Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) has revealed that the FBI’s decision to release the body of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the would-be assassin of former President Donald Trump, has sparked significant controversy and raised questions about the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

Higgins, a member of the House of Representatives, was conducting his own investigation into the attempted assassination when he discovered that the FBI had allowed Crooks’ body to be cremated without notifying key officials, as Breitbart reports.

The release of Crooks' body and the premature closing of the crime scene have led to allegations of obstruction and potential hindrance of a congressional investigation.

The assassination attempt on former President Trump occurred on July 13, a mere ten days before the FBI authorized the release of Crooks’ body for cremation on July 23.

The decision, according to Higgins, came as a shock to local authorities, including the Butler County coroner, law enforcement, and the Butler County sheriff. These officials, who were actively involved in the investigation, were unaware of the body's release until Aug. 5, when Higgins brought it to light.

Congressman Higgins Criticizes FBI’s Actions

Higgins has been vocal about the repercussions of the FBI’s actions, expressing concern that critical evidence may have been lost due to the hasty decisions made by the bureau.

He pointed out that the FBI released the crime scene just three days after the assassination attempt, a move that surprised many first responders and law enforcement officials. “The FBI cleaned up biological evidence from the crime scene, which is unheard of,” Higgins stated, underscoring the potential damage this could have on the investigation.

The timing of the body’s release has been particularly troubling for Higgins, as it coincided with the formation of an official congressional investigative body. House Speaker Mike Johnson had already announced the creation of this body by the time the cremation occurred, adding to suspicions that the FBI’s actions may have obstructed the investigation.

Authorities Left in the Dark

The Butler County coroner, who technically had legal authority over Crooks' body, was also left out of the loop. Higgins revealed that he had spoken with the coroner, who confirmed that he would not have released the body for cremation without explicit permission from the FBI. This has raised further questions about the communication, or lack thereof, between the FBI and local authorities.

Higgins has emphasized that the delayed coroner’s report and autopsy report have further complicated the investigation. As of Aug. 5, both reports were a week late, leaving Higgins unable to personally verify the accuracy of these critical documents. He has expressed frustration that, without examining the body himself, he cannot confirm the authenticity of the reports, which now remain unchallenged due to the cremation.

Concerns Over Obstruction of Justice

The congressman has not minced words in his assessment of the situation, describing the FBI’s actions as potentially obstructive to any subsequent investigation.

“This action by the FBI can only be described by any reasonable man as an obstruction to any following investigative effort,” Higgins said, reflecting the deepening mistrust between federal and local authorities.

Higgins also highlighted a pattern of behavior that he finds troubling, referring to the FBI's “investigative scorched earth” approach. He questioned why the FBI would release Crooks’ body for cremation so quickly, suggesting that this move was made without consideration of the ongoing congressional investigations.

Higgins’ concerns were echoed by several first responders he interviewed, who expressed surprise, dismay, and suspicion over the FBI’s early release of the crime scene.

Impact on Congressional Investigation

The premature release of Crooks’ body has had a significant impact on the House’s investigation into the assassination attempt. Both the Homeland Security Committee and the Oversight Committee had begun their jurisdictional investigations by the time the body was cremated, and Higgins fears that the loss of critical evidence could impair their findings. He has been adamant that the FBI does not operate in a vacuum and should have considered the ramifications of their actions on the broader investigation.

Higgins’ inability to examine Crooks’ body has left him in a difficult position, unable to verify the accuracy of the coroner's and autopsy reports. This, combined with the early release of the crime scene, has led to a situation where crucial evidence may have been lost or compromised, potentially hindering the overall investigation into the assassination attempt on Trump.

Conclusion: Ongoing Concerns Over FBI’s Conduct

The controversy surrounding the FBI’s handling of the Thomas Matthew Crooks case has cast a shadow over the ongoing investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

Rep. Clay Higgins has raised serious concerns about the bureau’s actions, from the early release of Crooks’ body for cremation to the premature closure of the crime scene.

These decisions have led to allegations of obstruction and have left key authorities out of the loop, potentially compromising the integrity of the investigation. As the congressional probe continues, the impact of these actions will likely remain a focal point of scrutiny.