Ryan Routh charged with federal gun offences over Trump
Routh accused of attempting Trump assassination, faces up to 20 years in prison
Federal gun charges have been filed against Ryan Wesley Routh, the suspect accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump. Routh faces charges for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
Police arrested Routh last night during a traffic stop north of the Palm Beach, Florida shooting scene. In court today, Routh appeared in a blue jumpsuit with shackles on his arms and legs.
The first charge could result in up to 15 years in prison, while the second carries a maximum sentence of five years. Routh allegedly tried to shoot Trump with a rifle yesterday while Trump was golfing in Florida. Officials later found an AK-47 rifle with a scope, two backpacks, and a GoPro, according to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.
CAPTURED: Bodycam footage captures the tense moment authorities arrested Trump assassination suspect Ryan Routh. With guns drawn, the 58-year-old lifted his shirt and backed away before being taken down. Routh, now charged in federal court, walked defiantly into his first… pic.twitter.com/mRhb1wMe4U
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 16, 2024
After the incident, Trump sent a fundraising email stating, “There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumours start spiralling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!“ He added, “Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER! I will always love you for supporting me. Unity. Peace. Make America Great Again.”
Ryan Routh’s son described his father as a “caring father” in a statement to CNN. He said, “Ryan is my father, and I don’t have any comment beyond a character profile of him as a loving and caring father, and honest, hardworking man. I don’t know what’s happened in Florida, and I hope things have just been blown out of proportion, because from the little I’ve heard, it doesn’t sound like the man I know to do anything crazy, much less violent. He’s a good father, and a great man, and I hope you can portray him in an honest light.”
Routh authored a book, *Ukraine’s Unwinnable War*, expressing his disdain for Trump. In it, he called Trump a “fool” for his role in the January 6th Capitol Riots and criticised his departure from the Iran Nuclear Deal as a “tremendous blunder.” Routh also wrote, “You are free to assassinate Trump.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- CBS News reports on an apparent assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, detailing the actions of suspect Ryan Wesley Routh and the Secret Service’s swift response. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump?
Ryan Wesley Routh.
What charges does Ryan Wesley Routh face?
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
How much prison time could Routh face for the charges?
Up to 15 years for the first charge, and up to 5 years for the second.
What did police find when searching the area after the shooting?
An AK-47 rifle with a scope, two backpacks, and a GoPro.
What did Ryan Routh’s son say about him?
He described him as a loving and caring father, and an honest, hardworking man.
