Jordan criticises DOJ for publicising $150,000 Trump bounty letter
Jim Jordan warns DOJ's Trump bounty letter release could lead to copycat crimes
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan criticised the Justice Department for releasing a letter from Ryan Wesley Routh, who allegedly attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump. Jordan warned that making the letter public could inspire others to commit similar acts.
Jordan, 60, sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, 71, expressing his concerns and pointing to the DOJ’s previous reluctance to release manifestos. Prosecutors disclosed the letter, which included a $150,000 bounty on Trump, in a public court filing on Monday as part of a motion to hold Routh, 58, in pretrial detention.
Jordan argued that the Justice Department’s decision to publicise the bounty note, while simultaneously prosecuting Trump, could lead to more harm. According to prosecutors, Routh placed the note in a box at someone’s home weeks before his arrest on 15 September. He was caught with a loaded SKS-style rifle at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. The letter read, “This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I failed you. I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster.” Routh then urged others to “finish the job” and offered a $150,000 reward.
Jim Jordan on DOJ and FBI weaponization: "We know it's a political bias that's driving it all, it's not incompetence."
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Secret Service Acting Director Ron Rowe Jr. previously stated that Routh did not fire any shots. A Secret Service agent fired at Routh after seeing him with the gun through a fence near the 6th hole on the golf course. Routh fled but was apprehended after a chase.
Prosecutors used Routh’s note to demonstrate his intent to murder Trump, but the disclosure faced criticism. Former US Attorney General William Barr argued that the note should have been redacted. Jordan highlighted that, during Garland’s tenure, the DOJ typically refused to release details about manifestos written by high-profile criminals, as such releases could inspire copycat crimes. Jordan demanded the DOJ provide all communications and documents about the decision to release Routh’s letter by 5 pm on 9 October.
Routh initially faced charges for illegal possession of a gun as a felon and possession of a gun with an obliterated serial number. On Tuesday, a grand jury indicted him for attempted assassination of a political figure, assaulting a federal officer, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Judge Aileen Cannon, appointed by Trump, was assigned to Routh’s case. Garland vowed to use all available resources to investigate and ensure accountability in the matter.
On Wednesday, Garland noted that the nation had experienced two assassination attempts against the former president in the past three months.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Scripps News reports on Ryan Wesley Routh’s attempt to assassinate Donald Trump, highlighting a handwritten note and charges for firearm possession, emphasizing the suspect’s motive and ongoing investigations. (Read more)
- NPR details Ryan Routh’s alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump, revealing a letter, surveillance, and pre-trial detention highlighting intentions and motives. (Read more)
- Fox News: The Trump assassination suspect, Ryan Routh, wrote a chilling letter months before the attempted assassination, detailing his plan and offering $150,000 to complete the job, highlighting his deep-seated grievances against Trump. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did Jim Jordan criticize the DOJ for?
Releasing a disturbing letter from the alleged would-be assassin of Trump.
What was in the letter released by the DOJ?
A $150,000 bounty on Donald Trump and a plea to ‘finish the job.’
Why did Jim Jordan send a letter to Merrick Garland?
To raise concerns about the DOJ’s decision to release the letter.
What charges is Ryan Wesley Routh facing?
Attempted assassination of a political figure, assaulting a federal officer, and firearm possession in furtherance of a crime.
Who is the judge assigned to Routh’s case?
Judge Aileen Cannon.
