Newly released federal documents provided to Senator Grassley show that Thomas Crooks, the gunman who targeted Donald Trump in July 2024, had his cremation paid for by an unidentified donor. Trump labeled the assassination attempt a "Democrat Plot" to remove him from the election and alleged that relevant investigative files were "missing, altered, corrupted, or gone" before he returned to office on January 20. He characterized FBI Director Christopher Wray as a "dirty cop" who should "pay a price" for the agency's handling of the case.

Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the FBI uncovered new details about the shooter's background and history, though he did not provide evidence linking these findings to a political conspiracy. The files indicate Crooks used the pseudonym "Bob Dole" for Amazon orders of rifle parts and tools, and 3D-printed a Glock-style pistol. Blanche noted that Trump's anger stems from questions about what FBI leadership did to protect the former president in the weeks and months preceding the Butler rally.