The FBI’s investigation into an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump has raised concerns due to allegations surrounding Special Agent Jeffrey Veltri, who leads the probe.
According to whistleblowers, Veltri, who heads the Miami FBI bureau, has expressed anti-Trump sentiments in the past, leading to fears of bias.
Whistleblowers claim Veltri was ordered to remove his anti-Trump social media posts before assuming his role and that he has suspended the security clearances of agents he considered “right-wing radicals.”
These allegations came to light during congressional testimony in 2023, with whistleblowers alleging that FBI leadership, including Director Christopher Wray, Deputy Director Paul Abbate, and Executive Assistant Director Jennifer Moore, were aware of Veltri’s political views but still placed him in charge of the Miami field office, which is now handling the investigation into the assassination attempt on Trump.
Veltri’s alleged bias has led to suspicions that the probe may not be handled impartially.
The FBI has publicly denied these claims, dismissing them as “demonstrably false.” However, concerns continue to grow as the investigation into the alleged attempt on Trump’s life moves forward. Governor Ron DeSantis has expressed significant unease about the FBI’s involvement in the case.
DeSantis, a political rival of Trump during the 2024 presidential race and now a prominent supporter of the “America First” movement, has voiced concerns that federal agencies, already involved in prosecuting Trump on other charges, may not be the best option for handling this sensitive investigation.
DeSantis argues that state law enforcement should take over the investigation, particularly given the nature of the crime. In his view, the primary offense committed by the assassination suspect, Ryan Routh, is attempted murder, which falls under state jurisdiction rather than federal law.
DeSantis emphasized that the state is fully capable of investigating the case without federal oversight and suggested that federal involvement in Trump’s legal matters introduces the risk of politically motivated actions.
The attempted assassination itself occurred at Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course, where the suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, allegedly approached the former president armed, coming within 300 to 500 yards of Trump before being stopped by Secret Service agents.
While the investigation continues, the role of Veltri and the FBI’s involvement has become a flashpoint, especially among Trump supporters and those concerned about potential federal overreach in Trump-related matters.
DeSantis’s stance has garnered attention from conservatives and Trump allies, many of whom share his distrust of federal agencies in the context of Trump’s legal battles.
The former president has faced numerous investigations since leaving office, including charges related to classified documents and the January 6 Capitol riot.
For Trump’s supporters, the revelation about Veltri’s alleged bias reinforces their skepticism about the fairness of these proceedings.
This controversy comes as the nation remains deeply divided over Trump’s role in American politics, with the former president continuing to maintain a powerful influence over the Republican Party.
The assassination attempt, combined with the broader political landscape, has fueled a debate over how justice is administered and whether political bias within institutions like the FBI undermines their credibility.
In summary, the investigation into the assassination attempt on Donald Trump is complicated by allegations that the lead FBI agent, Jeffrey Veltri, has a history of anti-Trump views.
Despite the FBI’s denial of these claims, Governor Ron DeSantis and others believe the investigation should be handled by state law enforcement, not federal agencies, to ensure a fair and impartial process.
The situation underscores ongoing concerns about the politicization of law enforcement in Trump-related cases and the deepening mistrust between his supporters and federal institutions.
