The FBI publicly pushed back against claims by Tucker Carlson about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, marking a rare and direct clash between federal law enforcement and a major media figure. Carlson accused the bureau of misleading the public by suggesting the shooter had “no online footprint,” a phrase he argued was used to downplay evidence. The FBI responded through its Rapid Response account, stating it had never made such a claim, reflecting a deeper battle over credibility and public trust.

The controversy centers on the July 13, 2024 shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, when 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire at a Trump campaign rally. Armed with an AR-15-style rifle, he fired eight rounds, killing one attendee and wounding two others, while Trump narrowly escaped after a bullet grazed his ear. Crooks was quickly killed by a Secret Service sniper, but limited details about his motives fueled speculation.

As investigations continued, scrutiny turned to security failures. Reviews found major lapses in protection, leading to the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and calls for “fundamental reform.” Critics argued that transparency about Crooks’ background, including his digital activity, was essential.

Carlson later released a video claiming Crooks had a “robust online presence,” citing alleged footage and multiple online accounts. He suggested this information was deliberately minimized by authorities.

The FBI flatly denied this, emphasizing it had never claimed Crooks lacked an online presence. The dispute highlights broader tensions over transparency, misinformation, and who defines the truth after political violence.