Accused Trump Golf Assassin Hit with New State Charges of Terrorism and Attempted Murder

Ryan Routh, the man already in federal custody for attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump during his campaign last fall, will now face additional state charges in Florida. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Thursday that Routh will be charged with attempted first-degree murder and terrorism. These charges are related to his alleged plot to kill Trump while he was golfing at his West Palm Beach golf course in September.

Political Attack on U.S. Government

Attorney General Uthmeier emphasized the seriousness of the crime, calling it an attack not just on one individual, but on the political system and American values as a whole. “Attempting to take the life of a former president and a leading presidential candidate isn’t just an attack on one man; this was a political attack against our Republican form of government,” Uthmeier stated. The charges reflect the gravity of the crime, with the prosecution framing it as an assault on the democratic process. Routh’s attorney, Kristy Militello, has yet to respond to requests for comment on the new state charges. Routh, who was previously jailed on federal charges, will now face a broader range of legal consequences.

Federal Charges and the Plot to Kill Trump

Routh’s alleged assassination attempt occurred on September 15, 2024, when Trump was playing golf at his West Palm Beach course. According to prosecutors, Routh aimed his rifle at a Secret Service agent before Trump even came into view. The agent responded by firing at Routh, causing him to drop his weapon and flee the scene without firing any shots. Routh is currently facing multiple federal charges, including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime, assaulting a federal officer, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He is also charged with possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. His federal trial is scheduled for September, with the delay allowing his attorneys time to review extensive evidence, including body camera footage and data from 17 of Routh’s cellphones.

New Evidence and Ongoing Investigation

In recent court filings, the government revealed additional evidence suggesting Routh spent weeks in West Palm Beach before the assassination attempt. According to prosecutors, he engaged in reconnaissance during March and April 2024, which included familiarizing himself with locations near Trump’s golf course. Routh allegedly camped out in the South Bay area and repeatedly visited key sites, including Southern Boulevard, the main road leading to Trump’s course. The investigation also uncovered that Routh had reportedly attempted to acquire anti-aircraft weapons, possibly to target Trump’s plane, further indicating the level of planning involved. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed that the state would continue its investigation, which could lead to charges not available at the federal level.

Potential Life Sentence for Conviction

If convicted of the attempted assassination charge, Routh faces a potential life sentence in prison. The new state terrorism charges add further legal weight to his case, and the ongoing investigations highlight the severity of the threats Routh posed against Trump and the political system. As both federal and state charges progress, Routh’s legal future remains uncertain, with the possibility of extended prison time looming.