The state of Florida sued Attorney General Merrick Garland on Wednesday, accusing the Justice Department of unfairly blocking the state's investigation into former President Donald Trump's second assassination attempt.
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has urged Florida authorities to ensure appropriate state prosecution of Ryan Routh, who was indicted by federal authorities on five counts for allegedly showing up at a golf course with the intent to shoot Trump. issued an executive order directing them to do so.
complaint Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody's (R) office said FBI and Justice Department officials “almost immediately” began trying to halt the state investigation.
“In conversations and subsequent communications with federal officials, these officials stated that the state of Florida must not conduct its own investigation, must not interview witnesses, and must only participate in a federal investigation. He said he could cooperate,” the complaint states.
Officials cited a law that allows federal authorities to “suspend the exercise of judicial authority by states” in cases involving assassination attempts on major party candidates, according to court documents.
“No court appears to have interpreted this provision, but applying traditional principles of statutory construction makes this statute much narrower than the Department of Justice asserts,” the complaint says. are.
They argue that the law still allows Florida to investigate the matter, and that blocking also violates the Tenth Amendment, which reserves certain powers to the state.
The Hill has reached out to the Department of Justice for comment.
Mr. DeSantis drew attention by announcing the concurrent state investigation, as the Republican governor, who plays a key role in Florida's general election, wants to maintain high visibility.
Florida could eventually bring state charges against Routh, including attempted murder, fleeing and eluding, and illegal possession of a firearm, according to the new lawsuit.
“Additionally, the state may pursue charges against Mr. Routh for injuries sustained when he fled from law enforcement following the assassination attempt.”
Routh was arrested shortly after Secret Service agents spotted him lurking around a West Palm Beach golf course with a firearm while former President Trump was golfing.
The suspect fled before being shot and was eventually stopped by police on the highway and taken into custody.
This was the second attempt on President Trump's life in recent months, after the gunman shot the former president in the ear while speaking at a July rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
