FBI Director Kash Patel has vowed to maintain openness as unresolved questions persist regarding the federal investigation into the attempted assassination of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump in July 2024.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier, Patel addressed the increasing public call for clarity amidst mounting speculation surrounding the prominent incident in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The 47th president highlighted his trust in essential partners, including United States Attorney General Pam Bondi and Patel, but indicated skepticism about the present conclusions.

“I’m relying on my people, and they’re good,” he said. “But it’s a little hard to believe, to be honest with you, okay? It’s a little bit hard to believe as I get older.”

The Butler shooting sent shockwaves through the 2024 campaign trail. Trump was wounded but survived, and the assailant was killed by law enforcement at the scene. 

The attempted assassination ignited scrutiny on the U.S. Secret Services’ protective measures on the presidential candidate.

Despite a months-long investigation, questions remain about Crooks’ motivation and any preventative measures that could have been implemented.

“We knew a lot more about a lot of different people than we know about that guy,” Baier told Patel, pressing on why the public remains largely in the dark nearly a year later.