WASHINGTON, D.C. (WZMQ 19 News) — New details are emerging in what the FBI said “appears to be an attempted assassination of former President Trump.”
It’s the second time in roughly two months an attempt has been made on the life of former President and 2024 Republican nominee Donald Trump.
The suspect, 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh has been charged with possession of a firearm while a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number during an initial appearance in federal court Monday morning.
According to authorities, Routh was hiding in shrubbery on the outskirts of the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, FL.
A U.S Secret Service agent, who one hole ahead of the former President, spotted Routh’s AK-47 style rifle sticking out of a fence along the golf club perimeter a few hundred yards away from the former President.
The agent fired at the suspect, who fled the scene, but was spotted by an eyewitness getting into his car. It’s not clear if the suspect fired at the Secret Service agent. Routh was taken into custody in a nearby county shortly after.
President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle condemned political violence in the wake of this apparent assassination attempt.
“There is no place for political violence in America. I am relieved that former President Trump is safe, and thankful to law enforcement for their quick actions,” said Sen. Gary Peters (D- MI).
“I was just briefed by the Acting Director of the Secret Service. I applaud the Secret Service for their quick response to ensure former President Trump’s safety. There is no place in this country for political violence of any kind. The perpetrator must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D- NY) on Sunday.
Congressman Mike Kelly (R- PA), who chairs the Congressional task force investigating the July 13 assassination attempt of the former President, along with the top Democrat on the task force released a joint statement yesterday.
“We have requested a briefing with the U.S. Secret Service about what happened and how security responded. We are thankful that the former President was not harmed but remain deeply concerned about political violence and condemn it in all of its forms,” said Kelly and Rep. Jason Crow (D- CO) in the statement.
“The recurring political violence targeting President Trump is unacceptable and deeply un-American- this is not who we are as a nation, and it cannot be tolerated under any circumstances,” said Rep. Nick Langworthy (R- NY) who is urging President Biden to give former President Trump the same security afforded to a sitting President. “Given the escalating threats, I’m calling on President Biden to issue President Trump the same security levels afforded to a sitting President to ensure his safety.”
Rep. Dan Meuser (R- PA) is echoing similar calls for heightened security for Trump.
“To ensure the safety and security of President Trump and to preserve our democratic process, Secret Service must provide President Trump the same protective detail as the sitting president. Given this is the second assassination attempt in two months, it is clear that serious threats to President Trump’s life remain an obvious and evident concern,” said Meuser.
Authorities and lawmakers are crediting the Secret Service for their quick action. Local authorities also praised the eyewitness who was able to take a picture of the suspect’s vehicle and license plate when they noticed him fleeing the shrubs.
Authorities say they’re still searching for a motive. However, Routh, a staunch Ukraine supporter, has been critical of the former President on social media in the past.
A detention hearing has been set for September 23, and the arraignment is set for September 30. Routh will remain in jail while he awaits trial. As of now, if Routh is convicted on both charges, he can face a maximum of 20 years in prison. However, he can face additional charges depending on what the FBI investigation uncovers.
