Rep. Clay Higgins criticized the FBI for releasing Thomas Matthew Crooks' body for cremation just 10 days after the July 13 shooting incident, claiming it hindered further investigations and conflicting with standard practices.

The Republican from Louisiana asserts that the FBI's expedited release of Crooks' body and the premature cleanup of biological evidence have raised serious questions about the integrity of the investigation. Despite the FBI's defense, stating all actions were conducted following regular procedures and in coordination with local authorities, Higgins claims that these measures have complicated the autopsy and coroner’s reports and impeded a thorough congressional review of the shooting, which left one person dead and injured two others, including a near miss on former President Donald Trump.

Rep. Clay Higgins has voiced strong opposition to the FBI’s handling of Thomas Matthew Crooks' body and the crime scene following the July 13 shooting incident. He argues that the early release of Crooks’ body for cremation, occurring just 10 days after the event, has posed significant challenges to the ongoing investigations and has undermined law enforcement protocols.

Higgins contends that such decisions, executed without informing critical local authorities, have obstructed further forensic analysis that could play a crucial role in understanding the full context and events of the shooting. According to Higgins, the FBI's actions, including the cleanup of biological evidence at the scene, deviate from established law enforcement norms designed to preserve vital evidence for comprehensive investigations.

The FBI, however, maintains that their procedures were thoroughly documented and were carried out in coordination with the relevant local law enforcement and the coroner’s office. In their defense, FBI officials stated that these steps were standard and did not compromise the integrity of the investigation. They assert that all actions were methodically executed, ensuring that the crime scene was adequately documented before any cleanup and the subsequent release of the body.

Despite these claims, Rep. Higgins has expressed frustration over the delays and perceived inaccuracies in the autopsy and coroner’s reports of Thomas Matthew Crooks. He believes these delays have further clouded the clarity and credibility of the investigation. Furthermore, Higgins argues that the decision to release the crime scene prematurely displayed a disregard for the comprehensive nature of the congressional investigation into the incident.

On July 13, Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire from a concealed rooftop position, discharging eight rounds into a rally crowd, resulting in a significant security breach. The incident led to the death of firefighter Corey Comperatore and injuries to David Dutch and James Copenhaver. Crooks' attack also brought former President Donald Trump close to harm, with one of Crooks’ bullets grazing Trump’s right ear, causing minor bleeding.

In the immediate aftermath, rapid response by law enforcement led to the neutralization of Crooks. A key shot from a SWAT operator inflicted damage on Crooks' rifle, followed by a final, fatal shot from a Secret Service counter-sniper. The quick response mitigated further casualties and brought the situation under control.

Additionally, Higgins has pointed out flaws in the Secret Service's communication and coordination during the ordeal, suggesting that these issues warrant thorough investigation. He questions whether better coordination could have potentially altered the course of the incident or improved the efficiency of the response.

The debate over the FBI’s handling of the crime scene and Crooks' remains is unfolding amid broader concerns over protocol adherence and inter-agency coordination in critical incidents. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring every procedural aspect is scrutinized to uphold justice and efficacy in law enforcement responses to such high-stakes scenarios.