Trump Assassination Plot: Man Indicted on Federal Charges \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Ryan Wesley Routh was indicted on charges of attempted assassination after allegedly plotting to kill Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course. Routh staked out the course for 12 hours, aiming a rifle at Trump and leaving behind a note detailing his plan. Secret Service agents thwarted the potential attack, and Routh now faces multiple federal charges, including attempted assassination.
Trump Assassination Plot Indictment Quick Looks
- Ryan Wesley Routh indicted for attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
- Routh staked out Trump’s Florida golf course for 12 hours.
- A Secret Service agent spotted Routh before he could fire.
- Routh left behind a note revealing his intent to kill Trump.
- Charges include attempted assassination, assaulting a federal officer, and firearms violations.
- Routh faces a potential life sentence if convicted.
Deep Look
Ryan Wesley Routh has been indicted on an attempted assassination charge after allegedly plotting to kill former President Donald Trump. Federal authorities say Routh staked out Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course for 12 hours, carefully planning his attack. Armed with a loaded SKS-style rifle and a scope, Routh aimed through the shrubbery surrounding the golf course, where Trump was playing, according to prosecutors.
Routh’s actions were part of a meticulously organized plot that had been in motion for months. Prosecutors revealed that he left behind a handwritten note detailing his intent to kill Trump, which was found in a box he had dropped off at a witness’s home before his arrest. The note, addressed “Dear World,” expressed Routh’s frustration and included an offer of $150,000 for anyone willing to “finish the job.” It referred to his actions as a “failed assassination attempt on Donald Trump.”
U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan upgraded Routh’s charges on Tuesday, bringing five counts against him, including the primary charge of attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate. Routh had initially faced two federal firearms charges, but the new indictment reflects the gravity of the Justice Department’s assessment of his intent to carry out the assassination.
Routh’s detailed planning extended beyond the 12-hour stakeout. Authorities said they found a list of locations where Trump had appeared or was scheduled to appear in the months leading up to his arrest. This list, along with the weapons and surveillance gear he carried, including a digital camera, backpack, and food, highlighted his preparedness for the attack.
The potential shooting was thwarted when a Secret Service agent spotted part of Routh’s face and the barrel of his rifle protruding through the fence line surrounding the course. The agent quickly responded, firing a shot in Routh’s direction, causing him to flee the scene. He was later apprehended by law enforcement in a neighboring county. Despite being armed, Routh did not fire any rounds, and Trump was not in his direct line of sight when the incident occurred.
Court documents indicate that the case has been assigned to Judge Aileen Cannon, a federal judge appointed by Trump. Judge Cannon previously gained attention for her handling of another case involving Trump, where she dismissed charges related to Trump’s possession of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, a decision now under appeal.
Routh’s indictment follows his September 15 arrest, after which prosecutors successfully argued that he should remain detained as both a flight risk and a danger to public safety. The indictment also comes two months after Trump survived an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, where he was shot and wounded in the ear. While the Secret Service acknowledged security lapses in that case, they credited their protocols for preventing another attack in Florida.
In addition to the attempted assassination charge, Routh faces charges of assaulting a federal officer, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and the two original firearms charges for possessing a gun despite his felony convictions and having a weapon with an obliterated serial number. The penalty for the attempted assassination charge alone carries a potential life sentence.
Authorities recovered more evidence from Routh’s car, including six cellphones—one of which showed a Google search for travel routes from Palm Beach County to Mexico. A notebook containing Routh’s views on international politics was also found, criticizing the Russian and Chinese governments and detailing plans to join the war effort in Ukraine. Routh had previously written a book that criticized Trump’s foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and Iran, where he suggested that Iran had the right to assassinate Trump for pulling out of the nuclear deal.
Despite Routh’s meticulous planning and the seriousness of the charges, federal prosecutors faced criticism from Trump himself, who accused the Justice Department of downplaying the incident by initially charging Routh with firearms offenses only. Trump took aim at prosecutors before the upgraded charges were announced, calling their actions a “slap on the wrist.”
In response to Trump’s remarks, Attorney General Merrick Garland assured the public that the Justice Department was fully committed to ensuring accountability in the case, stressing that the safety of candidates and their families is a top priority.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also launched a separate state-level investigation after Routh’s arrest, signaling that more serious state charges could follow. The federal investigation is ongoing, with Routh’s trial expected to shed more light on his motivations and the extent of his plot against Trump.
Trump Assassination Plot
