Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) recently advanced the claim that the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024, may have been an "inside job." Speaking on the "Pod Force One" podcast, Luna pointed to what she described as significant failures in the initial investigation of the incident, though she did not present evidence to substantiate her assertion.
The July 13, 2024, attack occurred during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. A gunman, later identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired from a nearby rooftop, grazing President Trump's ear. The incident tragically resulted in the death of one individual and left several others injured before Secret Service agents engaged and killed the suspect. Following the attack, multiple federal agencies launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
During her podcast appearance, Luna specifically criticized the handling of the initial investigation, stating, "I think what is interesting about the initial investigation is… it was done under Biden." This remark suggests a belief that an administration other than President Trump's oversaw the immediate aftermath and inquiry. She further contended that security lapses at the rally were not accidental, but rather intentional, raising questions about the thoroughness and impartiality of the official response.
Luna elaborated on her suspicions, citing whistleblower claims that alleged certain security personnel were either absent from their posts or were explicitly instructed to "stand down" during the incident. She also highlighted a perceived lack of follow-up on issues such as additional devices that were allegedly connected to the shooter. Her assessment culminated in a stark declaration: "To me, this has all the marks of intelligence… an inside job."
Despite Luna's serious allegations, official investigations into the Butler shooting have consistently maintained a different conclusion. Authorities have described the incident as the actions of a lone attacker, Thomas Matthew Crooks, acting independently. No official investigation has concluded that the attack involved coordination by government officials, nor has any verified evidence been presented to support claims of an organized plot or internal involvement. Reports, including those cited by the Daily Mail, indicate that official findings continue to support the lone attacker theory.
Luna's comments contribute to an ongoing political debate surrounding the attack and reflect a broader skepticism among some lawmakers and commentators regarding the handling of the incident. Her specific claim of an "inside job," however, remains unsubstantiated by official investigative findings. The issue has garnered renewed attention amidst heightened concerns about presidential security, which were further amplified by a separate shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner involving another suspect, Cole Allen, who allegedly targeted administration officials.
President Trump himself has addressed the attempts on his life, linking them to his political influence. He has stated that individuals who "make the biggest impact" are more likely to be targeted, framing the attacks as a consequence of his policies and leadership. Luna also suggested that additional information regarding the Butler attack might be released in the future, noting that certain materials could fall under presidential authority.
Given the gravity of her allegations and the absence of supporting evidence, Luna's claims are likely to undergo significant scrutiny. The federal investigations into the Butler shooting remain a matter of public record, with official conclusions continuing to point to a single individual as the perpetrator.
