Florida Files Charges Against Suspect In Trump Assassination Attempt
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced new state charges against Ryan Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump in September. These charges include attempted felony murder, linked to injuries sustained by a 6-year-old girl during Routh’s attempted escape.
Routh, currently held in federal custody, faces multiple federal charges, including attempted assassination and assaulting a federal officer. Florida’s investigation, led by Gov. Ron DeSantis, aims to address potential state-level crimes related to the incident. The federal trial is scheduled for February, though Routh has requested a delay.
Moody described the grave consequences of Routh’s actions during a press conference. She detailed how Routh’s flight endangered the public, requiring law enforcement to shut down both directions of I-95, during which a tragic accident occurred. “When you couple those terrible injuries together with his other criminal conduct, which we believe rises to the level of domestic terrorism, it turns his actions into an attempted felony murder case,” she said.
The state investigation has been hindered by federal resistance, Moody revealed. She accused federal authorities of blocking access to evidence, interviews and the crime scene. Despite these obstacles, Moody expressed gratitude for state and local law enforcement efforts.
Gov. DeSantis criticized the federal government for stonewalling the state’s investigation, calling the lack of cooperation unacceptable. In a statement on social media, DeSantis pledged that Florida will ensure Routh faces the “full force of justice” and that the public will learn the truth about the suspect’s motivations and plans.
Routh’s case has sparked significant attention as state and federal authorities clash over jurisdiction. Florida officials remain determined to proceed with their case despite federal opposition.
Moody emphasized that her office will continue pursuing justice, thanking those who support the state’s efforts against federal roadblocks.
