Key Takeaways:
– The individual accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump left behind a note detailing his plan.
– The Justice Department confirms the suspect retained a list of dates and venues for Trump’s appearances.
– Amidst Trump’s criticism, federal prosecutors signal more serious charges are on the horizon.
– A civilian witness found a box containing a note, phones, tools, and ammunition.
– The accused, Ryan Wesley Routh, is currently remanded in custody, deemed a flight risk and a risk to public safety.
The Accused’s Premeditated Plan
Details of a premeditated assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump recently emerged, as the Justice Department revealed the assassin, named as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, left behind a note outlining his plans. The evidence thus points to a calculated plan to eliminate the ex-president rather than an act of spontaneous aggression.
The incriminating note, discovered by a civilian witness, was part of the contents of a box Routh had left at the witness’s home months before his arrest last Sunday. This box also contained ammunition, tools, phones, building materials, and other letters.
The Evidence Against Ryan Wesley Routh
Federal prosecutors presented the information in a detention memo, explaining that the strength of the available evidence against Routh justified his continued detention. The accusations fueled the prosecutors’ argument that Routh poses a flight risk and a danger to public safety.
In the letter addressed to the world, Routh admits his attempt to assassinate Trump was unsuccessful and ominously urges others to “finish the job,” offering $150,000 as a reward. Prosecutors argued that this admission represents “substantial evidence of his intent.”
Reaction from Trump
Echoing these sentiments, Trump has criticized the Justice Department for downplaying the incident, terming the initial charges against Routh as but a “slap on the wrist.” However, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Dispoto indicated that additional charges are forthcoming, ones that will take into account Routh’s attempt to assassinate a major political figure, a crime punishable with life imprisonment if convicted.
Routh’s Existing Criminal Record
Routh’s existing charges are related to illegal gun possession given his multiple felony convictions, which include two charges relating to the possession of stolen goods from 2002 in North Carolina, and the possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
Routh’s Attempted Assassination Timeline
Prosecutors leveraged Routh’s cellphone records to argue that he travelled from Greensboro, North Carolina, to West Palm Beach, Florida, in mid-August. Moreover, Routh was traced to areas near Trump’s golf club and Mar-a-Lago residence at several instances between August 18 and the day he was arrested.
The Plot Thwarted
On September 15, Routh was arrested after a Secret Service agent noticed a partially veiled man bearing a rifle aimed at him. This happened while Routh was allegedly scouting Trump International Golf Club for possible security weaknesses. Following an exchange of gunfire, Routh fled the scene but was apprehended in a neighbouring county. His abandoned belongings included a loaded rifle set up on the golf course, a digital camera, a backpack, and a shopping bag.
Authorities also found in his possession six cellphones, one of which showed a Google search of how to travel from Palm Beach County to Mexico. Additionally, they unearthed a list Routh had on him, detailing Trump’s public appearance dates and venues, leading to allegations of an infiltrated assassination.