Ryan Routh, accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a Florida golf course, has been indicted on a charge of attempted assassination of a political candidate. This indictment came after Routh was found pointing a rifle at the golf course where Trump was playing. He has been remanded in custody ahead of his trial, with the charge carrying a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Court documents revealed that Routh had dropped off a note to someone offering $150,000 to “finish the job” of assassinating Trump. Prosecutors also presented evidence showing Routh had a plan to kill Trump, spending a month in South Florida near the golf course and Mar-a-Lago Estate. Additionally, he was found with a list of dates and venues where Trump was expected to appear.
When a US Secret Service agent spotted Routh with a gun poking through a fence at the golf course, he opened fire. Routh fled but was apprehended on a Florida highway shortly after. While Routh did not fire any rounds or have Trump in his line of sight, he left behind a camera, rifle, and other items.
This incident comes two months after Trump was shot and wounded at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service acknowledged failings leading up to that shooting but maintains they thwarted a potential attack in Florida. Routh has not entered a plea yet, and his lawyers unsuccessfully sought to have him released on bond. The Justice Department is committed to holding those who attempt violence against political figures accountable.
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