During a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing on Tuesday, FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate decisively refuted FBI Director Chris Wray’s recent conspiracy theories about the shooting of former President Donald Trump, affirming that there was “no doubt” it was a bullet that caused the injury.
In a striking confrontation, Abbate directly contradicted Wray’s remarks made during his testimony before Congress last Wednesday. Wray had suggested that Trump might not have been struck by a bullet but rather by shrapnel, casting uncertainty over the nature of Trump’s injury sustained during the July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Wray’s controversial statement came amid a broader critique of his leadership, which includes allegations of setting up innocent men in fake kidnapping plots, spying on Catholics, raiding homes of peaceful pro-life activists, and targeting parents at school board meetings. His comments on Trump’s injury have drawn criticism and concern.
In response to Wray’s assertions, Trump took to Truth Social last Thursday to clarify the situation. He vehemently denied the possibility of shrapnel or glass being involved, asserting, “It was, unfortunately, a bullet that hit my ear, and hit it hard. There was no glass, there was no shrapnel. The hospital called it a ‘bullet wound to the ear,’ and that is what it was.”
Trump’s statement highlighted his frustration with the FBI’s handling of the case and its focus on what he described as politically motivated actions rather than addressing actual security threats.
On Tuesday, Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) took the opportunity to question FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate, aiming to clear up the confusion surrounding the nature of Trump’s injury.
“Is there any doubt in your mind or in the collective mind of the FBI that President Trump was shot in the ear by a bullet fired by the assassin?” Kennedy asked.
“There is absolutely no doubt in the FBI’s mind… There never had been,” Abbate responded firmly.
Senator Kennedy pressed further with a series of rhetorical questions to debunk the more outlandish theories that had surfaced.
“It wasn’t a space laser?” Kennedy inquired.
“No,” Abbate replied.
“It wasn’t a murder hornet?”
“Absolutely not,” Abbate confirmed.
“It wasn’t Sasquatch?”
“No, Senator,” Abbate assured.
Kennedy’s questioning aimed to definitively put to rest the various speculative and unfounded theories about the shooting, ensuring that the focus remains on the facts of the case.
The clarity provided by Abbate underscores a critical moment for the FBI as it navigates the aftermath of the shooting and addresses concerns over the integrity and credibility of its investigations. As the FBI continues to handle the repercussions of this high-profile incident, the agency faces the challenge of restoring public confidence amid ongoing scrutiny and controversy.
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