Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has said he wants attempted murder charges brought against the man accused of trying to assassinate President Trump. Ryan Wesley RouthHe noted that the maximum sentence for this offence is life imprisonment.
Routh, 58, is charged with federal possession of an obliterated firearm and illegal possession of a firearm as a felon, but more serious charges are likely pending.
“I believe this is a crime that deserves a life sentence, and if we don't take action to the fullest extent of the law, we lower the bar for someone in the future who may try to do something similar,” Gov. DeSantis said at a Tuesday morning press conference in West Palm Beach.
Armed man arrested at Trump golf course, Ryan Routh, frequently posts about Trump and politics
Ryan W. Routh stands handcuffed near Palm City, Florida, on September 15, 2024, after his arrest on suspicion of plotting to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a golf course in West Palm Beach. (Martin County Sheriff's Office/Distributed via Reuters)
The governor has ordered Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to investigate. Assassination attempt Former President Trump on Sunday.
DeSantis said the Florida Attorney's Office may have stronger evidence than the federal government.
“In my judgment, it is not in the best interest of our state or our nation that this investigation be led by the same federal agency that is seeking to prosecute Donald Trump, when the most serious and simplest crimes are violations of state law, not federal law,” Gov. DeSantis said at a press conference.
Trump blames Biden-Harris 'comments' for latest assassination attempt, says they'll 'save the country'
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks at the Republican National Convention on July 16, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Reuters/Mike Seeger)
The state of Florida is conducting an independent investigation into the incident, and federal authorities are also conducting their own investigation.
“In addition to holding the suspect accountable, the public deserves to know the truth about how this assassination attempt happened,” DeSantis said. “I don't even know if the club is open yet. I think it's opening in October. I don't think it's even open to members yet, so why would they choose to go undercover now?”
Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach did not immediately confirm whether it was still barring members, and Rouse's lawyer could not immediately be reached for comment.
Law enforcement sources identify Ryan Wesley Routh as suspect in Trump shooting
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Department officers patrol outside Trump International Golf Club, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Mega from Fox News Digital)
Routh was arrested Sunday after authorities found a gun protruding from shrubbery at the golf course where Trump had been playing that afternoon. Phone records show Routh had been camping outside the course for nearly 12 hours with food and a rifle.
Authorities said Routh did not fire any shots, did not see Trump, and sped away after officers spotted him and fired at him. The suspect was arrested in a neighboring county.
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“We're going to find out how this guy was able to hide in the brush for 12 hours and how that happened,” DeSantis said.
