West Palm Beach, Florida (CNN) — Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old suspect, has been charged in the apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Authorities revealed that Routh may have been lying in wait for nearly 12 hours along the tree line at Trump’s golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. The criminal complaint filed on Monday outlined the charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number against Routh during his initial court appearance.
The investigation into the incident on Sunday is ongoing, and law enforcement officials familiar with the matter have indicated that additional charges could be brought against Routh. The initial gun-related charges were filed to keep Routh detained while authorities continue to explore the details of the assassination attempt. Routh, appearing in court in dark prison scrubs with his feet and hands shackled, confirmed that he could not afford his own attorney, leading the federal public defender, Kristy Militello, to be assigned to his case.
A detention hearing has been scheduled for September 23, with the arraignment set for September 30. Routh will remain in jail while awaiting trial. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. ET on Sunday when a Secret Service agent noticed the barrel of a rifle protruding from the fence between the 5th and 6th hole of Trump International Golf Club. Routh was found in a tree line near a heavily traveled road, leading to his apprehension.
Cell phone data revealed that Routh spent nearly 12 hours near the area where he was spotted in the bushes along the perimeter of the golf club. The FBI agent’s affidavit mentioned that Routh’s phone records indicated his presence in the vicinity from the early hours of Sunday until the moment he was discovered with his rifle. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw disclosed that the agent fired at Routh, who was located within 500 yards of Trump but did not have a line of sight on the former president.
Upon investigating the scene, authorities discovered a sniper’s nest containing a scoped rifle, a GoPro camera, and backpacks with ceramic plates, suggesting a high level of pre-planning in the attempted assassination. Routh was driving his daughter’s car when he was detained, and subsequent reports revealed his active online presence and connections to Ukraine’s foreign legion.
Routh’s son described him as a good father and a great man, contrasting with the allegations of his involvement in the assassination attempt. Federal authorities are exploring Routh’s social media and phone records to gather more evidence for the case. While Routh may face charges related to firearm possession and aggravated assault against a federal law enforcement officer, proving a direct aim at Trump may present challenges due to the distance between them during the incident.
President Joe Biden has called for increased support for the US Secret Service following the assassination attempt on Trump, emphasizing the need for more personnel to ensure the safety of current and former leaders. The incident, occurring just 51 days before the election, has further escalated the political tensions in the country, prompting condemnations from Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Trump himself.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on uncovering the motives behind the attempted assassination and ensuring accountability for those involved. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by public figures and the importance of maintaining security measures to safeguard their lives.
