Congressional Republicans have requested that FBI Director Christopher Wray “correct” his testimony, which suggested uncertainty regarding whether Donald Trump’s ear was hit by a bullet or shrapnel. This request was led by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who criticized Wray’s statement for creating confusion and potentially undermining the FBI’s credibility. Wray’s testimony before a House panel raised Trump’s ire, as he indicated that it was unclear if Trump had been directly struck by a bullet.
In a letter to Wray, Graham emphasized the importance of correcting the testimony, insisting it was evident that Trump survived an assassination attempt by a narrow margin, with a bullet grazing the upper part of his ear. During the House Judiciary Committee hearing, Wray acknowledged the shooting as an assassination attempt and confirmed Trump’s injury.
However, Wray’s uncertainty about whether Trump was hit by a bullet or shrapnel led to further questioning by Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.), where Wray conceded that his understanding was that Trump’s ear was grazed by either a bullet or shrapnel.
Republicans Urge FBI Director Wray to Clarify Testimony on Trump’s Assassination Attempt
Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) also questioned Wray about accounting for all bullets fired by the shooter. Wray reiterated the uncertainty about the exact nature of what grazed Trump’s ear and whether that bullet had also landed elsewhere. Despite this, Wray assured that the FBI had accounted for all shots and cartridges. The FBI declined to comment on the Republicans’ call for Wray to amend his testimony.
The shooting incident was only a part of Wray’s hourslong hearing, during which he disclosed additional details about the shooter, such as the use of a drone near the rally site, the acquisition of the gun, and searches related to the assassination of former President John F. Kennedy. Despite these revelations, Wray’s comments on potential shrapnel drew significant backlash from congressional Republicans and Trump himself.
Trump responded vehemently on Truth Social, asserting that it was undoubtedly a bullet that struck his ear and criticized the FBI for losing public confidence. Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), Trump’s former White House physician, supported this stance, stating unequivocally that there was no evidence suggesting anything other than a bullet.
The FBI, in a statement, maintained that they had consistently identified the incident as an assassination attempt and were continuing to investigate, including examining bullet fragments.
