Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., is demanding that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem declassify all records tied to the July 13, 2024, attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
In a letter sent on the one-year anniversary of the incident, Hawley urged full transparency, citing whistleblower reports and internal investigations that revealed significant lapses in security leading up to the shooting by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, who managed to fire several rounds at Trump from a rooftop, grazing his ear.
“This day marks a troubling chapter in our history and highlights the need for accountability,” Hawley wrote. “I urge you to declassify all Department of Homeland Security documents related to the attempt on President Trump’s life.”
Demand for Transparency Amid Whistleblower Revelations
Hawley criticized what he called a pattern of obstruction from federal agencies, including DHS and the Secret Service, accusing them of withholding basic information from the public. He pointed to his September 2024 Senate report, which included whistleblower accounts that exposed a “disturbing pattern of negligence, sloppiness, and gross incompetence” that enabled the assassination attempt.
“The public learned more from whistleblowers than from government officials,” Hawley wrote, referencing his committee’s unanimous vote in favor of legislation requiring the release of Secret Service documents.
Now, he’s calling for DHS to go further—demanding a full inventory of all classified or unreleased materials, including threat assessments, internal emails, after-action reviews, and communications with other agencies. He also requested a timeline for releasing those documents and a justification for any materials Noem believes must remain classified. His deadline for a response is July 30, 2025.
Failures and Fallout from the Butler Rally
The attempted assassination of Trump sent shockwaves through the nation. Just inches away from being fatal, the incident has raised enduring concerns about federal security procedures.
Hawley’s investigation revealed that several Secret Service agents were aware of security concerns at the rally but failed to act. One rooftop—the very one Crooks used—was reportedly left unsecured. Documents show that some agents failed to conduct required walk-throughs, and the lead advance agent was hospitalized due to heat exhaustion, missing the final inspection entirely.
Despite the severity of the breach, none of the six Secret Service agents involved were terminated; they were only suspended without pay.
Trump and Republicans Demand Accountability
Trump, now running for reelection, has said the government’s handling of the Butler incident reflects a broader failure of accountability under the Biden administration. He and other Republicans have accused agencies of stonewalling investigations and downplaying the risk of political violence.
Hawley echoed that sentiment in his letter: “The American people deserve a full and accurate account of what happened in Butler, why it was allowed to happen, and what measures have been taken since to ensure it never happens again.”
DHS Response Pending
As of publication, the Department of Homeland Security has not responded to Hawley’s request or Fox News Digital’s inquiry.
Hawley’s push for transparency follows months of congressional scrutiny and comes after a second assassination attempt on Trump occurred just weeks ago, renewing concerns about political violence and federal preparedness heading into the 2024 election cycle.
