Crime
58-year-old Ryan Routh charged with attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump
Prosecutors on Tuesday charged Ryan Wesley Routh with the attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate. They allege Routh camped outside Donald Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course for hours, armed with a rifle that he aimed through a chain-link fence, with a clear shot at the former president as he approached the next hole on September 15.
Prosecutors told a federal magistrate that Routh had been “stalking” Trump in Florida for over a month. Cell phone data allegedly placed him at both the golf course and Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence on several occasions between August 18 and the day of his arrest. Initially, Routh was charged with two firearm-related offenses, including obliterating a gun’s serial number and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, while investigators continued their probe.
Court documents revealed that Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee who previously oversaw and dismissed the classified documents case against the former president, has been randomly assigned to this case.
At a press conference announcing an unrelated antitrust lawsuit against Visa, Attorney General Merrick Garland addressed the incident, saying, “The attempted assassination of the former president is a heinous act. I am grateful that he is safe, and the Justice Department will use every resource to ensure accountability.”
Garland noted that investigators had recently uncovered additional information about the alleged assassination attempt, which was entered into the court record during Routh’s detention hearing. He also responded to a statement Trump posted, in which the former president criticized the federal investigation and called for Florida to take over the case. Garland clarified that the Justice Department would work with Florida officials “consistent with the law” to ensure justice is served.
GLEN BURNIE, Md. — Authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting reported in Glen Burnie, Maryland, after an incident in which a suspect allegedly crashed a vehicle into a law enforcement agent.
Preliminary reports indicate that one suspect sustained a gunshot wound and was transported under a Priority B medical status.
Emergency medical services also responded to assist a law enforcement agent who reported neck pain; a second EMS unit was requested to provide additional medical evaluation and care.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting, including what prompted the vehicle collision and the use of force, have not yet been fully detailed by authorities.
Police have confirmed that the scene was secured, and standard investigative protocols for officer-involved shootings have been initiated.
No further information regarding the identities of those involved or the suspect’s condition has been released at this time.
Officials stated that additional details will be provided as the investigation continues.