Federal prosecutors are set to argue on Monday that Ryan Routh, the 58-year-old man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, should remain in custody while awaiting trial. Routh is charged with two gun-related offenses stemming from the September 15 incident at Trump’s West Palm Beach, Florida, golf course.
According to investigators, Routh allegedly pointed a rifle through a tree line while Trump was playing golf, sparking a massive response from law enforcement. Although Trump was not within Routh’s line of sight, the suspect was reportedly armed with a scoped rifle and was hiding in bushes near the golf club’s perimeter, approximately 400-500 yards away from the former president.
Routh is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, each carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He has yet to enter a plea in the case.
The incident is the second apparent attempt on Trump’s life during the 2024 presidential campaign season. Unlike a previous attempt in July, Routh is not accused of firing a shot. Instead, the situation unfolded when a U.S. Secret Service agent spotted a rifle sticking through the fence and fired a warning shot, prompting a call to authorities.
Routh was apprehended about 45 miles north of the golf course after a witness reported seeing him flee the scene in a black Nissan. Martin County Sheriff William D. Snyder noted that Routh was unarmed when taken into custody. Prosecutors are expected to present new details about the investigation during Monday’s hearing, arguing that Routh poses a danger to public safety and should be kept behind bars.
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