Ryan Routh, the suspect in the alleged assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, is now facing state charges in Florida alongside his existing federal indictments.
Florida’s Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Thursday that Routh has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and terrorism. This action follows a period where Florida officials were reportedly blocked from pursuing charges by the Biden Justice Department.
“We want a justice system that is willing to pursue justice no matter what party is in charge,” Uthmeier stated, criticizing previous delays. “Joe Biden and the Democrats did everything they could to drag their feet and refuse to cooperate with the state of Florida. Under Attorney General Bondi and the Trump administration and our new FBI director [Patel], it’s been a breath of fresh air, very different. They’ve been transparent, cooperative.”
The shift in approach is attributed to recent changes in leadership within the Justice Department and the FBI. With Pam Bondi now serving as Attorney General and Kash Patel as Director, Florida officials have received cooperation and clearance to proceed with their case.
Key Details of the Alleged Plot:
- Routh allegedly sought to acquire military-grade weapons, including a rocket launcher, from a contact in Ukraine. Court documents revealed Routh stated, “send me a rpg [rocket-propelled grenade] or stinger, and I will see what we can do…[Trump] is not good for Ukraine.”
- Routh pleaded not guilty to federal charges of attempted assassination of a presidential candidate, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, assaulting a federal officer, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
The state’s case will be pursued in coordination with the federal government, with both sides sharing evidence.
According to federal prosecutors, Routh carried out what they describe as the final stage of his alleged plot on September 15th. He reportedly established a sniper position near Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, armed with an illegally obtained SKS rifle, awaiting Trump’s arrival.
Secret Service agents spotted Routh before he could reach his target. A confrontation ensued, and Routh fled the scene leaving behind his rifle. During his escape, authorities reported he possessed a written plan, burner phones, fake IDs, and stolen license plates.
Routh’s defense team has filed court documents alleging that law enforcement used “impermissibly suggestive” tactics when interviewing an eyewitness (T.C.M.). They claim the witness felt pressured to identify Routh due to the intense atmosphere surrounding the investigation.
Additional Charges and Timeline:
- Routh’s trial is scheduled for September 8, 2025.
- In December, former Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody charged Routh with an additional felony attempted murder charge stemming from a near-fatal accident involving a young girl during the traffic shutdown following his arrest.
More evidence related to the case is expected to become public in the coming days.
