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Butler Sheriff Denies Deputy Ties to Trump Rally Gunman

6/7/2026

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Sheriff Jones Refutes Claims

Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones publicly refuted claims that Ohio Deputy Kinlee Hoyle communicated with the Pennsylvania rally gunman.
A 20-year-old gunman opened fire at a rally for U.S. President Donald Trump in Butler County, Pennsylvania, an assassination attempt.
David Harris Jr. claimed Kinlee Hoyle exchanged emails with suspect, citing Judicial Watch FBI records.
Judicial Watch released June 5 files omitting Hoyle’s name, and sheriff warned false reports endanger officers.

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Deputy Email Exchange

The gray remote device with antenna taken from Crooks’ pocket has spurred calls for full disclosure.
A Butler County sheriff’s deputy exchanged two emails with gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks before the July 13, 2024 rally.
Judicial Watch released heavily redacted FBI documents on June 5 that omit Deputy Kinlee Hoyle’s name.
A medic said a Washington County SWAT officer removed the device, which explosive-ordnance personnel examined.

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Sheriff Jones Refutes Claims

Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones publicly refuted claims that Ohio Deputy Kinlee Hoyle communicated with the Pennsylvania rally gunman.
A 20-year-old gunman opened fire at a rally for U.S. President Donald Trump in Butler County, Pennsylvania, an assassination attempt.
David Harris Jr. claimed Kinlee Hoyle exchanged emails with suspect, citing Judicial Watch FBI records.
Judicial Watch released June 5 files omitting Hoyle’s name, and sheriff warned false reports endanger officers.

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