A federal grand jury has charged Ryan Wesley Routh with the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump after Routh was apprehended near the Trump International Golf Course, where Trump was playing on September 15.
Routh was spotted hiding in the bushes, leading to his arrest.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the indictment in a press release on Tuesday, confirming that Routh faces charges of attempted assassination.
Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the severity of the crime in his statement.
“Violence targeting public officials endangers everything our country stands for, and the Department of Justice will use every available tool to hold Ryan Routh accountable for the attempted assassination of former President Trump,” Garland said.
The DOJ’s commitment to prosecuting individuals who engage in acts of violence against public figures is a core element of their stance on maintaining the rule of law.
The charges against Routh stem not only from his alleged attempt to assassinate Trump but also from additional charges related to firearms.
Just a day after his arrest, Routh was charged with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, as well as possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
These charges add to the seriousness of the case and further complicate Routh’s legal situation.
New evidence has emerged in the form of a letter allegedly written by Routh, which was obtained by the DOJ through a witness.
According to the DOJ, the letter expresses Routh’s regret over failing to kill the former president and offers $150,000 to anyone who succeeds in carrying out the assassination.
The disturbing details in the letter indicate that the plot may have been premeditated, raising concerns about further risks to public figures.
In response to the charges, a federal judge denied Routh bail, ordering that he remain detained until his trial.
The judge’s decision reflects the perceived danger Routh poses, particularly given the gravity of the accusations against him.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Routh will remain in custody as the investigation continues.
This is not the first time Trump has been the target of an assassination attempt. Just two months prior, on July 13, Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, from the rooftop of a nearby building.
Although Trump was not harmed, the incident highlighted the ongoing risks faced by public figures in the current political climate.
The indictment of Routh underscores the DOJ’s ongoing commitment to prosecuting those who attempt to harm public officials.
Garland reinforced this sentiment in his statement, vowing to hold accountable anyone who engages in violence aimed at undermining democracy.
With Routh now facing serious federal charges, the case is expected to draw significant attention as it moves forward in court.
