Written by Dan McCaleb and Brett Rowland (Center Square)
Federal authorities on Tuesday secured the indictment of Ryan Wesley Routh on charges of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump.
The indictment also charges Routh with four other counts, including knowingly possessing a firearm during a crime of violence. Forcible assault, intimidation, or interference with Secret Service personnel.
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“On or about September 15, 2024, in Palm Beach County, Southern District of Florida, defendant Ryan Wesley Routh intentionally attempted to kill a leading presidential candidate, former President of the United States Donald J. Trump. ” the indictment states.
Trump was playing golf at a club in West Palm Beach when a Secret Service agent scouting the course about one hole away from the Republican presidential candidate spotted a rifle sticking out of the treeline. Investigators fired their rifles in the direction of Routh before witnesses told authorities Routh fled the scene in a Nissan sport-utility vehicle. Local police stopped Routh and quickly arrested him.
According to a criminal complaint filed earlier in the federal case, Routh’s cell phone records show he was camped out from 1:59 a.m. to 1:31 p.m.
Photos of the nest showed two bags hanging from the fence on the sixth hole. FBI agents said the bag contained a plate that could prevent small arms fire. Between the two bags was an SKS rifle with a scope. Agents previously matched fingerprints on the rifle to Routh, of Center Square. reported.
Prosecutors said Routh had been planning to kill the former president for months.
Investigators found in Routh’s Nissan Xterra a handwritten list of dates from August, September and October 2024, as well as venues where Trump appeared or was expected to attend.
Routh also left a note.
Routh, who lives in Hawaii and North Carolina and participated in North Carolina’s March 5 primary, left a note to someone federal prosecutors described as a civilian witness months before the Sept. 15 incident. . The person contacted law enforcement on Wednesday, according to court records filed Monday. The letter stated that money would be given to anyone who completed the task.
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The letter says: “This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump and I failed. I tried my best and gave it my all. It’s up to you to finish the job. And to those who can complete the job, 15 I’ll give you a million dollars.”
Routh’s lawyers argued it was all a publicity stunt.
Routh was previously charged with two weapons charges. Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number.
If convicted of the attempted assassination charge, Routh could face life in prison.
This is the second time in about two months that Routh has allegedly attempted to kill Trump.
On July 13, at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Mr. Trump was grazed in the ear by a sniper on a metal roof near the venue. Riots in July left one man dead and two others injured. assassination attempt.
Syndicated with permission From the center square.
