Trump Assassination Suspect Faces New State Charges in Florida

Ryan Routh, the suspect in an alleged plot to assassinate Donald Trump, will now face state charges in Florida in addition to the federal charges he has already denied.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that his office has secured a warrant and is charging Routh with attempted first-degree murder and terrorism. These charges stem from an alleged plot to kill President Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course last September.

Uthmeier stated that the state charges were pursued after officials in Florida felt their investigations were previously hindered by the Biden Justice Department, which claimed jurisdiction. This led to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signing an executive order authorizing state agencies to pursue charges such as attempted murder, which could result in a life sentence.

With the Justice Department and FBI now under new leadership, Uthmeier said his office has received cooperation and approval to charge Routh. He emphasized the desire for a justice system that pursues justice regardless of political affiliation. He also noted that the state's case will be conducted in collaboration with the federal government, with both sides sharing evidence. More information about the case is expected to be released soon.

The new charges come shortly after federal prosecutors revealed that Routh sought to obtain military-grade weapons, including a rocket launcher, from a Ukrainian contact as part of the alleged assassination plot. According to court documents, Routh requested the weapons, stating that Trump was "not good for Ukraine."

Routh pleaded not guilty in September to federal charges including attempted assassination of a presidential candidate, firearm possession, assaulting a federal officer, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

Routh is accused of carrying out the final stage of an attempted assassination plot against Trump. Prosecutors say that on September 15, Routh set up a sniper hideout near Trump International Golf Club. Armed with an illegal SKS rifle, he positioned himself in anticipation of Trump's arrival. However, Secret Service agents spotted him before Trump arrived. When confronted, Routh fled, abandoning his rifle. He was later arrested in Martin County.

Routh's defense has submitted court filings alleging that law enforcement used "impermissibly suggestive" tactics when interviewing a witness. In December, former Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody charged Routh with another felony attempted murder charge related to an incident that occurred during his escape.