Quick Hit:

In a criminal complaint filed Monday, Ryan Wesley Routh of Hawaii has been charged in connection with an apparent assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump on Sunday. Routh faces federal charges, including illegal possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

Key Details:

• Routh has been charged under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and under 18 U.S.C. § 922(k) for possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Both charges carry severe penalties, including up to 15 years and 5 years in prison, respectively.

• Routh’s prior criminal history includes multiple felony convictions in North Carolina, making it illegal for him to own firearms. His record includes felony riot and destruction in 2008, as well as possession of stolen goods in 2010.

• In addition to federal charges, Ryan Wesley Routh will likely face state charges related to firearm possession, attempted murder, or other criminal activity not covered by federal statutes. Any state charges, however, have yet to be announced.

Diving Deeper:

Ryan Wesley Routh of Hawaii has been charged with federal crimes after allegedly attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump on Sunday. This marks the second attempt on Trump’s life within the past 60 days, escalating security concerns surrounding the former president as he continues to campaign for the presidency.

The criminal complaint filed in the Southern District of Florida lists two charges against Routh. The first is a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), which prohibits certain individuals, including those with prior felony convictions, from possessing firearms. Routh’s past criminal record, particularly multiple felonies in North Carolina, makes him a prohibited person under this statute. The second charge is for violating 18 U.S.C. § 922(k), which involves possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

According to court documents, Routh’s criminal history includes convictions for felony riot and destruction in 2008, a crime punishable by up to 59 months in prison under North Carolina law. He also has a 2010 conviction for possession of stolen goods, a felony that carries a maximum sentence of 39 months. This criminal background disqualifies him from legally owning any firearms, yet law enforcement discovered an AK-style rifle in his possession with its serial number obliterated.

If convicted, Routh faces significant penalties. The possession of a firearm by a prohibited person under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) carries a maximum sentence of 15 years, while the possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number under 18 U.S.C. § 922(k) could result in an additional 5 years of imprisonment. Both charges also carry substantial fines and supervised release periods.

Routh’s legal troubles, however, may not be limited to the federal charges he now faces. Florida state authorities could potentially file additional charges depending on the specifics of his actions during the alleged assassination attempt. If both federal and state charges are pursued, Routh could face separate trials and cumulative sentences, significantly increasing his time behind bars and the overall legal consequences.