Scalise Slams FBI Over Botched Probe of Congressional Baseball Shooting

The FBI, our nation’s top law enforcement agency, is expected to conduct thorough, unbiased investigations. If this is true, then the FBI’s investigation into the 2017 shooting at a Republican baseball practice was, by definition, a monumental failure.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who was severely injured in the attack, has rightfully pointed out that the FBI ‘completely mishandled’ the investigation. The recent report from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence substantiates Scalise’s claim. The committee, chaired by Rep. Rick Crawford, was profoundly disappointed with the FBI’s ‘incomplete investigation and substandard analysis’ of the incident, which left Scalise and three others injured.

The shooter, James Hodgkinson, made a premeditated journey from Illinois to Virginia and opened fire at Republicans practicing for the annual Congressional baseball game. He had taken pictures of the ballfield and even had a list of Republican lawmakers with their congressional addresses. Despite these obvious signs of planned aggression, the FBI dared to claim there was ‘no nexus to terrorism’ and that Hodgkinson’s actions were akin to ‘suicide by cop.’

Statistically speaking, this conclusion was nonsensical. The shooter had targeted Republicans, which is a politically motivated act of aggression. The FBI, however, didn’t arrive at this ‘obvious conclusion’ until four years later. The committee’s report highlights the FBI’s use of ‘false statements, manipulation of known facts, and biased and butchered analysis’ to support its flawed narrative. This is a fundamental misunderstanding of the purpose and process of an investigation.

The committee has recommended a review of the 2017 investigation under then Acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe to determine if political bias or ‘substandard analysis’ influenced the case. This recommendation is not only necessary but crucial to ensure the FBI upholds its duty to the American people. Scalise, who underwent multiple surgeries and spent weeks in intensive care due to the shooting, deserves nothing less.

In conclusion, the facts are clear. The FBI egregiously mishandled its investigation into the 2017 Congressional baseball shooting, ignoring crucial and obvious facts to uphold a false narrative. This is a direct affront to the victims, the American people, and the principles of justice. And that’s something the left simply cannot refute.