Introduction to the Case
A man already jailed on federal charges of attempting to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump as he golfed last fall will face additional state terrorism and attempted murder charges, Florida’s attorney general said Thursday.
Ryan Routh tried to undermine the country’s political system and will face state attempted first-degree murder and terrorism charges, Attorney General James Uthmeier said.
Background of the Incident
“Attempting to take the life of a former president and a leading presidential candidate isn’t just an attack on one man,” Uthmeier said. "This was a political attack against our Republican form of government and our shared American values."
Routh’s lead attorney, Kristy Militello, didn’t immediately respond for comment.
Details of the Plot
According to prosecutors, Routh plotted to kill Trump as Trump golfed at his West Palm Beach golf course in September. Secret Service officers spotted Routh before Trump came into view. Routh aimed his rifle at an agent, who opened fire, which led Routh to drop his weapon and flee without firing, they said.
Florida’s Attorney General announced new charges against Ryan Routh, the man accused in an attempted assassination of President-elect Donald Trump. NBC6’s Steve Litz reports.
Reaction from Authorities
Uthmeier, a Republican, criticized the Biden administration, accusing it of trying to “frustrate our efforts” and “block” his office’s investigation. He lauded FBI Director Kash Patel and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi for being willing to “work together to pursue justice.”
Routh is jailed on federal charges of attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, assaulting a federal officer, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
Upcoming Court Proceedings
He is due in court on the federal charges in September. The lag between his arrest and his next court date was granted to give his attorneys time to review hundreds of hours of footage from police body cameras and surveillance cameras, and to pore over material from Routh’s 17 cellphones and other electronic devices.
Shortly after Routh’s arrest, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the state would conduct its own investigation and could bring charges that aren’t available at the federal level.
Potential Consequences
If convicted of the attempted assassination charge, Routh could be sentenced to life in prison.
Conclusion
The case against Ryan Routh is complex and involves both federal and state charges. The additional state charges of terrorism and attempted murder reflect the seriousness with which the authorities view the attempted assassination of a presidential candidate. As the case unfolds, it will be important to watch how the federal and state charges are prosecuted and how they may impact each other.
FAQs
- Q: What are the federal charges against Ryan Routh?
A: Routh is charged with attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, assaulting a federal officer, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. - Q: What are the additional state charges against Routh?
A: Routh faces state attempted first-degree murder and terrorism charges. - Q: When is Routh due in court for the federal charges?
A: He is due in court in September. - Q: What is the potential sentence if Routh is convicted of the attempted assassination charge?
A: If convicted, Routh could be sentenced to life in prison.
