Man Charged with Attempted Assassination of Trump Near Golf Course, Faces Life Sentence
October 2, 2024Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, has been charged with attempting to assassinate Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, following an incident on September 15.
The alleged assassination attempt occurred at Trump's golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, where Routh reportedly stalked Trump for hours.
Routh was spotted lurking with a rifle in the bushes near the golf course, leading to his arrest after he fled the scene.
A Secret Service agent noticed Routh's rifle and opened fire, prompting Routh to flee, but he was apprehended shortly after on Interstate 95.
This incident marks the second assassination attempt on Trump in a short span, raising significant concerns about his safety as he approaches the November 5 election.
The U.S. Department of Justice charged Routh with attempted murder of a presidential candidate about a week after the incident, with a potential life sentence if convicted.
In addition to attempted assassination, Routh faces multiple charges, including illegal possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.
Prosecutors recently released an alleged confession letter from Routh in which he acknowledged the assassination attempt but claimed to have failed.
In the letter, Routh expressed remorse for his actions, stating, 'This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, but I have disappointed you.'
Routh has pleaded not guilty to five federal charges, and his trial is scheduled to begin on November 18.
Since his arrest, Routh has been held in a Florida prison and has a history of felony convictions, including a gun conviction.
The incident has drawn attention to the adequacy of security measures in place for Trump, especially following a previous assassination attempt in July.
Summary based on 7 sources
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Sources
BBC News • Sep 30, 2024
Ryan Routh: Trump assassination plot suspect pleads not guiltyNZ Herald • Sep 30, 2024
Donald Trump assassination attempt: Man pleads not guilty