Congressman Tim Burchett (R-TN) has ignited a firestorm in Washington with his explosive allegation that Thomas Crooks, the man accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump, may have been groomed by the CIA under a clandestine mind-control program.

The claim, though dismissed by left-wing pundits as a conspiracy theory, taps into growing conservative concern about corruption and political weaponization within America’s intelligence community.

Burchett’s claim has sent shockwaves across conservative media, sparking renewed scrutiny of deep state activities. In a televised interview, he stated, “Crooks was likely groomed by the CIA through programs similar to MKUltra. This wasn’t some lone nut. This was something darker.” The MKUltra reference harks back to a real CIA program from the Cold War era that experimented with psychological manipulation and mind control.

The timing of Burchett’s claim is significant. It comes amid a broader reckoning with federal agencies, many of which conservatives argue have been politicized and turned against the American people. From the FBI’s botched handling of January 6 pipe bomb investigations to the Department of Justice’s selective prosecutions, there is growing belief among the right that the intelligence apparatus has become a partisan tool.

For years, the left dismissed accusations of a “deep state” as right-wing fantasy. But the more that is revealed, the harder it is for Americans to deny the unsettling pattern of federal overreach and secrecy. Burchett’s boldness may finally force these issues into the public spotlight.

The congressman has not yet provided full documentation to support his claims, but he is calling for a congressional investigation into Crooks’ background, his affiliations, and any ties to federal operations. “We need transparency. The American people deserve to know if their government is experimenting on citizens or manipulating individuals to carry out political violence,” Burchett said.

The mainstream media has reacted with predictable outrage, labeling Burchett’s statements as reckless and dangerous. Yet these same outlets spent years promoting unfounded Trump-Russia collusion theories and gave airtime to every unverified leak that could damage Donald Trump.

Conservatives see a double standard. When Democrats speculate wildly, it’s called journalism. When Republicans ask uncomfortable questions, it’s dismissed as insanity. Burchett, however, is not backing down.

His concerns echo those of Americans who have grown increasingly wary of institutions once considered trustworthy. If a man like Crooks was indeed under the influence of powerful actors, the implications are staggering. It suggests that the deep state will go to any lengths to stop Trump—even if it means sacrificing American lives and shredding constitutional norms.

The assassination attempt itself was deeply unsettling. Crooks, armed and prepared, managed to get within range of a major political figure. The failure of security, the lack of answers, and now Burchett’s allegations raise more questions than answers.

Burchett’s critics accuse him of sowing division, but he argues that the real danger lies in silence. “What if I’m right? What if someone allowed this to happen or made it happen? Wouldn’t we want to know?” he said during a press briefing.

The legacy media wants the American people to move on. But patriots know better. They know that the truth is often buried beneath layers of bureaucracy, lies, and corruption. Burchett is simply pulling back the curtain.

Calls for investigation are growing louder. Members of the House Freedom Caucus have backed Burchett, demanding immediate hearings and a full review of CIA domestic operations. “We cannot allow the intelligence community to operate in the shadows,” said Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ).

Conservative watchdog groups are also getting involved. Judicial Watch has filed FOIA requests related to Crooks, and Project Veritas has promised to launch its own independent investigation into the shooter’s background.

Former intelligence officials, speaking anonymously, have acknowledged the possibility that Crooks may have been flagged in prior agency systems. “The red flags were there,” one said. “The question is whether they were ignored or directed.”

If Burchett’s claims are substantiated, it would mark one of the most scandalous abuses of power in modern U.S. history. The idea that federal agencies could manipulate citizens into acts of political violence should send a chill through every American.

From the Patriot Act to FISA abuses, the intelligence community has already shown its willingness to stretch the law. Burchett’s claims merely ask: how far have they gone this time?

As with other recent revelations, the corporate press will do everything in its power to silence this story. Social media algorithms are already throttling mentions of Burchett’s name and Crooks’ background. But the truth has a way of breaking through.

Burchett has promised to pursue this issue relentlessly. “This is not about politics. This is about protecting the Republic,” he declared. He has vowed to subpoena intelligence leaders and force them to testify under oath.

The silence from the Biden administration is deafening. Not a single official has addressed the core of Burchett’s claim. That silence speaks volumes.

Americans have a right to know who Thomas Crooks really was. Was he a lone actor? A mentally unstable individual? Or was he something far more dangerous—a weapon shaped by the very agencies sworn to protect us?