Tucker Carlson Says 'Sinister' Activity Around Trump's Assassination Investigation

Tucker Carlson, a former Fox News host, has raised concerns about the handling of the investigation into the July 2024 assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, describing the situation as involving "sinister" activity. In a recent interview with Stephen A. Smith on SiriusXM’s Straight Shooter, Carlson expressed skepticism about how Trump approached the inquiry following the shooting at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, which resulted in one death and multiple injuries, including Trump himself. Carlson suggested that Trump's behavior shifted dramatically after the attack, noting that he no longer seemed the same person who had previously criticized government actions. He stated, “I don’t think Trump was lying before. I think something changed him.” However, Carlson did not specify what triggered this perceived transformation, nor did he offer evidence to support his claim. Instead, he focused on questioning the level of transparency from federal authorities during the probe. During the interview, Carlson revealed that he had sought additional information from FBI officials regarding the investigation, particularly concerning the gunman, Thomas Crooks. He emphasized his desire to understand Crooks' background, including his communications, online presence, and training history. “I pushed them really hard,” Carlson said, explaining that he had engaged in conversations with FBI personnel. “Why can’t we see this information?” Despite these efforts, Carlson claimed that Trump instructed officials to limit the release of further details about the case, asserting that the president concluded Crooks had acted alone. This assertion, however, has not been independently confirmed by Newsweek, which noted that federal investigators have already stated that Crooks operated independently. Nevertheless, public curiosity persists around the motives and background of the shooter. Carlson also reflected on his evolving stance toward Trump, acknowledging that he had once strongly opposed the former president before becoming a vocal supporter. “I was wrong,” he admitted when asked about his shift in perspective. Initially, he saw Trump as an outsider challenging both major political parties, but he argued that something fundamental changed after the Butler shooting. “Somewhere along the line after that Butler shooting in July of 2024, he changed 180 degrees and started doing things that he ran against doing,” he said. When pressed about the cause of this change, Carlson admitted he did not know. In addition to discussing Trump, the interview touched upon Carlson’s willingness to engage with controversial figures, such as Nick Fuentes. He defended his decision to give platforms to individuals with extreme views, arguing that mainstream politicians should also be scrutinized. He specifically criticized Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, labeling him “one of the most extreme human beings I’ve ever met” and accusing him of advocating for the killing of innocents. “Ted Cruz is calling for the killing of innocents and funding it,” Carlson said, maintaining that Cruz has “blood on his hands.” Cruz has yet to respond publicly to these allegations. The discussion took place amid ongoing scrutiny of the Butler shooting and broader debates surrounding the transparency of investigations related to political violence. Federal agencies and congressional leaders continue to examine the incident, focusing on security lapses and the circumstances that enabled the attacker to reach a rooftop position. As the probe unfolds, public interest remains high, with many seeking clarity on the events that led to the shooting and its aftermath.