TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida authorities are intensifying their legal efforts against Ryan Wesley Routh, who is already facing federal charges related to his alleged assassination attempt on President-elect Donald Trump. Recently, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced state charges for attempted felony murder following the serious injuries of a six-year-old girl attributed to Routh's reckless actions during his arrest.
The events began on September 15, when Routh allegedly set up what authorities described as a "sniper's nest" outside Trump's Mar-a-Lago golf course, intent on harming the then-presidential candidate. His plan was foiled when law enforcement spotted him, leading to significant police presence and the shutdown of traffic on nearby Interstate 95 as they pursued him. Routh's response was to flee, resulting in multiple vehicles colliding, with one car carrying the young girl.
Moody, during her announcement of the state charges, expressed deep concern for the child and her family, remarking, "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 onto attempted felony murder." The girl suffered life-altering injuries, and Moody emphasized the need for justice on her behalf.
Routh was already facing serious federal charges including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate and several gun crimes. Following his actions, he had pleaded not guilty, and his federal trial is set to take place next February. Law enforcement's quick response and proximity to potential disaster drew significant scrutiny after it was determined Routh fled just moments before the crash.
The timeline of events is alarming. After being spotted aiming his rifle toward Trump's golf play, Routh was confronted by the Secret Service. Although no shots were fired from his weapon, he did choose to drop it and flee, leading to law enforcement’s decision to shut down traffic on I-95, sparking the subsequent crash.
Moody stated, "We felt compelled to seek justice on her behalf and her family, who will never be the same as they cope with her injuries." The gravity of the situation has raised concerns among Florida officials about their relationship with federal law enforcement, particularly the FBI, which they accuse of obstructing local investigations.
Governor Ron DeSantis, who was expected to join Moody at the press conference, has remarked on the challenges faced by state authorities, indicating skepticism about the FBI’s involvement, citing it as common for federal and state agencies to coordinate, particularly on cases involving multiple jurisdictions. His absence due to inclement weather did not prevent him from taking to social media to express solidarity with Moody’s resolve amid challenges from federal authorities.
"The feds have stonewalled Florida’s investigation of the Trump assassination attempt at every turn, and I appreciate AG Moody and her team for plowing forward," DeSantis stated, highlighting the political tensions surrounding this incident.
The charges against Routh are not solely based on his actions near Trump but also on the aftermath of his flight. Reports revealed additional details previously unreported about the injuries sustained by the young girl, underscoring the human cost of this attempted assassination.
Moody articulated her concerns about federal cooperation, emphasizing, "I think it's important... to understand the work and challenges we faced, and the lack of cooperation from federal agents." This tension, she suggests, extends beyond state and local interests, implicatively touching on broader national security concerns as the U.S. navigates this politically charged climate.
With Florida poised for these new charges, Routh faces significant legal battles at both federal and state levels. Each accusation adds layers of complexity to the prosecution and determination of culpability surrounding this deeply disturbing case. The financial and emotional ramifications of Routh's actions are felt not just by his immediate victims but the broader community potentially affected by such unprecedented threats.
Prosecutors are expected to pursue the most serious charges moving forward. If convicted on the attempted felony murder charge, Routh could face up to 30 years of imprisonment under Florida law, alongside his federal charges which carry life sentences. This case is sure to capture not just local but national attention as it proceeds through the legal system.
