A man was indicted on an attempted assassination charge after allegedly staking out Donald Trump for 12 hours at his Florida golf course and writing of his desire to kill him. Ryan Wesley Routh had initially faced federal firearms offenses but now faces more serious charges reflecting his alleged plot to kill the former president. The indictment carries a potential life sentence if convicted.
Routh was arrested after being spotted by a Secret Service agent aiming a rifle through the shrubbery at the golf course where Trump was playing. Although Routh did not fire any rounds and did not have Trump in his line of sight, he left behind a note describing his intention to kill Trump and offering a reward for someone to “finish the job.” He also had a list of venues where Trump was expected to appear.
The arrest came two months after Trump was shot and wounded in an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service has acknowledged security failings leading up to that shooting. Routh’s initial charges included illegally possessing a gun and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
Trump had criticized federal prosecutors for bringing charges that were a “slap on the wrist” before the attempted assassination charge was brought. Attorney General Merrick Garland assured that the Justice Department would ensure accountability in the case. Authorities found six cellphones in Routh’s car, including one showing a Google search of how to travel to Mexico. Additionally, Routh had a notebook filled with criticism of foreign governments and notes on joining the war in Ukraine.
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