In an interview on the “Flagrant” podcast, former President Donald Trump shared new, startling details regarding the July 13 assassination attempt on his life during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump, who is the Republican frontrunner for the 2024 presidential election, described a significant security breach and questioned why authorities haven’t fully investigated the shooter’s devices.

During the interview, Trump said that there was more to the story, hinting at foreign involvement and criticizing the FBI for its apparent failure to unlock several phones and apps connected to the suspect. “So you have this shooter and you have another shooter, right?” Trump began, addressing podcast host Andrew Schulz. “This shooter had three cell phones… The FBI’s never gotten them opened!”

Trump delved into specifics about the phones found in the shooter’s possession, claiming the FBI has yet to investigate foreign-based applications allegedly installed on the devices. He suggested that some of these apps might be connected to hostile foreign powers, such as Iran, which he has previously accused of plotting against him.

“They haven’t opened them, and they’re foreign-based,” Trump said. “You hear all about Iran. I was rough with Iran, but I want to stop all the killing.” Trump alluded to his past dealings with Iran as a reason the nation may have taken a hostile stance towards him. “Supposedly, they have a hit on me,” he said, implying that his tough policies against the Iranian regime could have fueled their motivation. The FBI’s handling of the evidence has come under the microscope since Trump’s near death. “Why wouldn’t you open them?” Trump asked.

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The July assassination attempt marked one of the most significant security breaches for the Secret Service since the 1981 attempt on President Ronald Reagan’s life. Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old shooter, opened fire from the roof of a nearby building, striking Trump in the ear. The attack also claimed the life of one audience member and left two others critically injured. Crooks was shot dead by the Secret Service’s Counter Sniper Team shortly after the assault.

Images of Trump, bloodied but defiant, went viral as he pumped his fist and urged his supporters to “fight.” Trump was treated and released from a local hospital later that day and returned to the campaign trail just two days later at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Kimberly Cheatle, the director of the Secret Service, faced severe backlash and ultimately resigned after testifying before the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. President Joe Biden ordered an independent review of the agency’s security protocols, calling for an assessment of how such a critical lapse occurred.

“If Biden were a real president… he should say, ‘If anybody shoots a former president who’s now the leading candidate… we will bomb that country into oblivion,’ and it would stop,” Trump told Schulz in the interview. This comes as Trump continues to campaign aggressively, holding rallies nationwide despite ongoing security concerns. On Saturday he revisited Butler for another campaign rally.