Federal prosecutors formally charge suspect Ryan Routh with attempted assassination of Trump
SUMMARY
Federal prosecutors have officially charged Ryan Routh with the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The charges stem from a September 15, 2024, incident at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. According to the indictment, Routh carefully planned to kill the Republican presidential candidate by aiming a rifle through the shrubbery while Trump was playing on the course. A federal grand jury in Miami returned the indictment, which highlights Routh’s methodical actions and intent to assassinate Trump. The DOJ upgraded the charges, citing premeditation and deliberate targeting of the Republican nominee. Routh was arrested after fleeing the scene, apprehended during a traffic stop near Palm City, Florida. Attorney General Merrick Garland reiterated the severity of the charges, stating, “Violence targeting public officials endangers everything our country stands for.” Routh remains in federal custody as authorities continue to investigate.
