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.
SAN ANTONIO, TX — Two San Antonio police officers were shot during an incident on the city’s West Side Wednesday morning, according to Police Chief William McManus. The suspected gunman is also reported to be down.
The shooting occurred shortly after 8:30 a.m. in the 6800 block of U.S. Highway 90 westbound, near Military Drive, in the parking area of the Travelodge Motel.
Multiple emergency medical units were dispatched to the scene following reports of officers injured by gunfire.
When officers responded to the location, an exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in both officers being struck.
The suspect was also shot during the confrontation.
The conditions of the officers have not yet been released, and it remains unclear how severe their injuries are.
The access road along U.S. Highway 90 westbound has been closed as police secure the area and conduct a full investigation.
A large law enforcement presence, including tactical and crime scene units, remains on site.
Chief McManus confirmed that additional details will be provided during a scheduled press briefing later today, as investigators work to determine the events leading up to the shooting and whether any additional suspects were involved.
Residents are urged to avoid the area as the investigation remains active.