In a shocking turn of events, U.S. authorities are poised to file an attempted assassination charge against Ryan Routh, the man arrested for allegedly lurking with a firearm at Donald Trump’s golf course in Florida. This new charge, which could result in a life sentence, highlights the gravity of the situation unfolding in West Palm Beach.
Routh, 58, is currently in detention without bond, facing two gun-related charges stemming from his arrest on September 15. During a court appearance, U.S. Magistrate Judge Ryon McCabe revealed that prosecutors have gathered substantial evidence indicating Routh’s stalking of Trump over the past month, describing it as a calculated effort to take the former president’s life.
Prosecutor Mark Dispoto announced that the Justice Department intends to present this serious charge to a grand jury. In a courtroom session, Routh appeared handcuffed and shackled, as prosecutors detailed the troubling evidence against him. Among this evidence is a letter Routh allegedly wrote months prior, referencing an “assassination attempt” on Trump, accompanied by a chilling $150,000 bounty on the Republican candidate.
Dispoto described how Routh had constructed a “sniper’s nest” by the sixth hole of Trump’s golf club, only to be thwarted when a Secret Service agent fired upon him after noticing a rifle protruding from his hiding spot. Dispoto commented on the precarious nature of Routh’s position, noting that Trump would have arrived in the vicinity just minutes later.
In a desperate attempt to secure his release, Routh’s lawyers argued against the prosecution’s claims, suggesting that the evidence presented was insufficient. They also highlighted Routh’s prior efforts to support democratic causes, such as aiding Ukraine and Taiwan.
Wearing a navy blue jumpsuit, Routh remained silent during the hearing. Prosecutors revealed that prior to the incident, he had delivered a box to an unnamed civilian witness, containing ammunition, a metal pipe, four phones, and a handwritten note addressed to “the world,” wherein he expressed regret for his failure and offered a substantial reward for Trump’s assassination.
Routh’s defense attorney, Kristy Militello, contended that the letter indicated a lack of genuine intent to carry out an assassination, framing it as more of a publicity stunt. Additionally, during the hearing, FBI Special Agent Christian Hull disclosed that another letter, directed to The New York Times, was found near Routh’s suspected location at the golf course, though its contents were not revealed.
As the investigation continues, Routh faces charges of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing a firearm with an altered serial number, with no plea entered at this stage. Trump, responding to the charges, characterized them as inadequate, branding the situation as a mere “slap on the wrist” for the accused.
The dramatic incident reflects the rising political tensions and violence in the U.S., especially in light of another recent attack where a gunman injured Trump during a rally. Routh, a former roofing contractor with a troubled past, is now at the center of a case that raises serious questions about security measures and the threats faced by public figures today.
