A federal judge has ordered Ryan Routh, the man accused of an assassination attempt against former President Trump, to be held in custody pending the resolution of his charges. The Justice Department requested that Routh be detained, and the judge ruled in favor of this request, stating that federal prosecutors had met their burden and the evidence against Routh was strong. Routh is currently facing charges of possessing a gun illegally as a felon, but more serious charges, including attempted assassination of Trump, are likely pending.
Federal prosecutors presented additional evidence to the judge during the court hearing, including an audio recording of a jailhouse phone call from Routh to a friend in which he apologized. Routh may face additional charges in the future, such as aggravated assault for allegedly pointing a rifle at a U.S. Secret Service agent. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has stated that the state will pursue more charges against Routh, with the potential for him to face life in prison. The Justice Department also released a chilling letter written by Routh, in which he admitted to the assassination attempt and offered a monetary reward for someone to finish the job.
The letter was obtained from a witness who received it in a box delivered by Routh several months before the assassination attempt. The witness only opened the box after learning of Routh’s suspected involvement in the attack. In the letter, Routh stated that he had failed in his attempt to assassinate Trump and offered a reward for someone to complete the job. The judge revealed that it appeared Routh had been stalking Trump for 30 days and was caught with a passport, phone, and search history of how to travel from Palm Beach to Florida.
Routh’s detention was further justified by information that he had a gun with a scratched-out number in his possession, demonstrating previous illegal activities with firearms. The judge’s decision to keep Routh in custody until the resolution of his charges indicates that he is considered a serious threat and flight risk. The government intends to ask a grand jury to indict Routh on more serious charges, including the attempted assassination of Trump. Routh’s apologies and the chilling contents of the letter he wrote indicate that he was determined to carry out his plan, and the evidence against him is substantial.
