Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) said she believes the 2024 assassination attempt against President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, may have been an “inside job,” a claim she made during a podcast appearance without presenting evidence.
Speaking on Pod Force One, Luna pointed to what she described as failures in the initial investigation conducted under the previous administration.
“I think what is interesting about the initial investigation is… it was done under Biden,” Luna said, before suggesting that security lapses at the rally were intentional.
Luna argued that law enforcement and security breakdowns raised questions.
She cited whistleblower claims alleging that certain personnel were either absent or told to stand down, and she pointed to a lack of follow-up on issues such as additional devices allegedly connected to the shooter. She said, “To me, this has all the marks of intelligence… an inside job.”
The Butler rally attack occurred on July 13, 2024.
A gunman, later identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired from a nearby rooftop and grazed Trump’s ear. The attack left one person dead and injured others before the suspect was killed by Secret Service agents.
The incident triggered multiple investigations by federal agencies.
Luna criticized those investigations, claiming there were unanswered questions about the scene and how quickly it was processed after the shooting. She also questioned security decisions, including coverage of the area where the shooter was positioned.
No official investigation has concluded that the attack involved coordination by government officials.
Authorities have consistently described the incident as the actions of a lone attacker, and no verified evidence has been presented to support claims of an organized plot or internal involvement, per the Daily Mail.
Luna’s comments add to ongoing political debate surrounding the attack.
Her remarks reflect broader skepticism among some lawmakers and commentators about the handling of the incident, though her specific claim of an “inside job” has not been substantiated by investigative findings.
The issue has regained attention following additional security incidents involving the president.
A separate shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner involved another suspect, Cole Allen, who allegedly targeted administration officials. That attack, along with the Butler incident, has heightened concerns about presidential security.
President Trump has linked repeated attempts on his life to his political impact.
He said 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 about the Butler attack could be released in the future, noting that certain materials may fall under presidential authority.
Her claims are likely to draw scrutiny given the lack of supporting evidence and the seriousness of the allegation.
The investigations into the Butler shooting remain a matter of public record, with official findings continuing to support the conclusion that the attack was carried out by a single individual acting alone.
