WASHINGTON — Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump’s near assassination, the FBI confirmed on Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president’s ear. This statement clears up conflicting accounts regarding what caused Trump’s injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.
FBI Clarifies Confusion
The FBI stated, “What struck former President Trump in the ear was a bullet, whether whole or fragmented into smaller pieces, fired from the deceased subject’s rifle.” This one-sentence statement from the FBI is the most definitive law enforcement account of Trump’s injuries. It followed ambiguous comments earlier in the week from Director Christopher Wray, which appeared to cast doubt on whether Trump had actually been hit by a bullet.
Trump’s Response to the FBI
The comments from Wray drew fury from Trump and his allies, further stoking conspiracy theories amid a lack of information following the July 13 attack. Trump’s campaign has declined to release medical records from the hospital where he was first treated or make the doctors available for questions. Updates have come primarily from Trump himself or his former White House doctor, Ronny Jackson, who is now a Texas congressman. Jackson has been treating Trump since the night of the attack.
Ongoing Investigation and Speculation
Federal law enforcement, including the FBI and Secret Service, had previously refused to provide information about what caused Trump’s injuries. Wray’s testimony offered conflicting answers on the issue, leading to confusion and speculation. Speaking at an event in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump criticized the FBI’s earlier statements, describing the suggestion that he may have been struck by glass or shrapnel instead of a bullet as “reckless.”
Details of the Injury
Ronny Jackson released a letter stating the bullet produced a “2 cm wide wound that extended down to the cartilaginous surface of the ear.” Jackson insisted there was “absolutely no evidence” Trump was struck by anything other than a bullet. The FBI’s Shooting Reconstruction Team continues to examine bullet fragments and other evidence from the scene.
Impact on FBI and Trump’s Relationship
The FBI’s initial reluctance to confirm Trump’s version of events has strained the relationship between Trump and the federal law enforcement agency. Trump and his supporters have long accused the FBI of being weaponized against him, which Wray has consistently denied. This tension has resurfaced, with Trump lashing out at Wray on his Truth Social network.
Political Reactions and Future Implications
Senator Lindsey Graham urged Wray to correct his testimony, emphasizing the need for clarity to maintain the FBI’s credibility. As Trump moves forward with his campaign, the relationship between his camp and federal law enforcement remains contentious, potentially impacting his political strategies.
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