DOJ readies attempted assassination charge for Trump suspect urging others

Updated: 09/23/2024 04:55 PM EDT

In West Palm Beach, Florida, Ryan Routh is accused of trying to assassinate former President Donald Trump. A handwritten letter allegedly composed by Routh several months ago reveals his intent, as he encouraged others to “finish the job” and pledged $150,000 to anyone who would kill the former president.

The letter was presented as key evidence during a court hearing where U.S. Magistrate Judge Ryon McCabe decided to deny Routh bail, despite his attorneys’ requests for a $250,000 release into the custody of his sister.

Reacting to the events, Trump emphasized the importance of local prosecutors in pursuing the case, asserting that the FBI and Justice Department mishandled the assassination attempt. He claimed Florida’s legal authorities were prepared to bring charges that carry greater weight than the federal gun charges Routh currently faces.

“OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM IS CORRUPT AND DISCREDITED,” Trump stated in an email to reporters. “LET FLORIDA HANDLE THE CASE!”

A spokesperson for the Justice Department did not respond to Trump’s remarks. However, during the court proceedings, federal prosecutors indicated they might pursue more severe attempted assassination charges against Routh.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Dispoto announced that they have probable cause to charge Routh under a federal law designating it a crime to attempt to kill a major-party presidential candidate, with potential penalties reaching life in prison.

Prosecutors highlighted Routh’s message in the letter, which was left in a box that included tools and building materials at an associate’s home. The letter was addressed to “The World,” criticizing Trump’s character and his foreign policy concerning Iran.

“This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I failed you. I tried my best… It is up to you now to finish the job; and I will offer $150,000 to whomever can complete the job,” Routh purportedly wrote in the recently revealed portions of the letter.

Routh further expressed in the letter that “Everyone across the globe knows that Trump is unfit to be anything, much less a U.S. president.” He argued that presidents should embody America’s moral standards and be compassionate and selfless.

Routh’s defense team contended that other pages of the letter had not been submitted and insisted that the complete document indicated Routh’s intent to fail rather than commit harm, suggesting that his actions might be more about seeking attention than inflicting violence.

Public defender Kristy Militello claimed that Routh had expressed intentions to spark reflection about democracy rather than harm. However, the judge sided with the prosecution, citing concerns for the safety of the witness who provided the letter to the FBI.

The court learned that Routh had kept a notebook detailing Trump’s whereabouts, tracking events from August to upcoming appearances in October.

“He is not being charged based on dislike of Trump or ideologies,” Dispoto stated. “He is getting charged because of his conduct.”

During a lengthy hearing, both the defense and prosecution questioned FBI agent Christian Hull, who is leading the investigation. Routh was present but did not respond, maintaining eye contact with those presenting evidence.

Several bags were located near Trump’s golf course where a Secret Service agent had fired at Routh. Prosecutors noted that cell phone records show Routh traveled from North Carolina to Florida prior to his arrest and had been at the location of the alleged assassination attempt multiple times leading up to the incident.

An altercation transpired on September 15 while Trump was golfing; a Secret Service agent observed Routh armed with a semi-automatic rifle and opened fire in his direction. Routh attempted to flee but was apprehended shortly after.

Investigators discovered ballistic plates in each bag, designed to defend against small arms fire. The plates were likened to a “sniper’s nest,” giving a person maximum protection if under fire. Tests confirmed they effectively blocked bullets.

The hearing revealed Routh had a history of run-ins with the law, including past convictions for possession of an explosive device and stolen goods. Prosecutors argued that his criminal background justified his detention without bail.

In exploring Routh’s mental state, both sides acknowledged the possibility of untreated mental health issues. The judge expressed concerns about Routh possibly being a flight risk, particularly as he had no connections to Florida and had traveled internationally.

Further investigations of Routh’s vehicle uncovered multiple license plates, gloves, and cell phones. A notebook included details related to combat participation in Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Among his possessions were also snacks and a letter addressed to the New York Times.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has reached out to federal authorities regarding jurisdiction issues, emphasizing the importance of state involvement in the case.

The details surrounding this alarming incident continue to unfold, pointing to serious implications for national security and public safety.

Source: POLITICO