Show Notes
Episode 7 of On Background examines newly uncovered social-media posts attributed to Trump shooter Thomas Crooks, which contradict initial FBI claims that he had little online presence. Hosts Susan Crabtree and Eric Eggers speak with former Secret Service agents Rich Staropoli and Frank Loveridge, who sharply criticize the FBI and Secret Service for failing to detect Crooks’ online threats and for providing inconsistent public explanations. The guests argue that political pressure, agency mismanagement, and staffing crises contributed to lapses in protective intelligence. They also question why the FBI will not clarify whether Crooks was previously on its radar and discuss broader issues of morale, corruption, and resource shortages within the Secret Service.
