Quick Hit:

A federal judge has ordered Ryan Wesley Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, to remain in custody. Routh, currently facing charges for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, is expected to be indicted on more serious charges, including attempted assassination.

Key Details:

• Ryan Routh is being held on charges of possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number and illegal possession as a convicted felon. Federal prosecutors plan to seek a grand jury indictment for attempted assassination, with additional state charges possible.

• Routh was arrested on September 15th after being spotted by Secret Service agents with a rifle at Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida. He fled the scene but was apprehended shortly thereafter.

• The FBI and state authorities are continuing investigations into Routh’s background, including the premeditation and planning of the assassination attempt.

Diving Deeper:

Ryan Wesley Routh, accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, remains in custody following a ruling by a federal judge. Routh faces charges for illegally possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number, while federal prosecutors prepare to seek a grand jury indictment on more serious charges, including attempted assassination.

The incident occurred on September 15th, 2024, when Secret Service agents spotted Routh with a rifle at Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, where Trump was playing golf. Routh fled the scene after agents opened fire but was apprehended by law enforcement in a neighboring county.

As part of their case for Routh's continued detention, the Department of Justice released a letter written by Routh, where he admitted to the assassination attempt and offered $150,000 to anyone who could "finish the job." This release has drawn significant criticism from lawmakers, including Florida Rep. Michael Waltz, who questioned why such dangerous information was made public, warning it could inspire copycat attacks. Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene also condemned the DOJ, accusing it of essentially placing a bounty on Trump's head.

With Routh’s history of criminal activity—including a previous conviction for possession of a weapon of mass destruction—the court ruled that Routh posed too great a danger to be released. Prosecutors detailed how Routh had positioned himself near the golf course's sixth hole, in what they described as a "sniper’s nest," with bulletproof plates in his bags.

As investigations continue, both federal and state authorities are expected to bring additional charges, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody also involved in the case. A grand jury is likely to indict Routh on attempted assassination charges, with additional state charges also on the table.