Ron DeSantis Takes Trump Assassination Suspect’s Case Into His Own Hands

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ordered a state investigation into an alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump, citing distrust in federal law enforcement due to Trump’s ongoing federal prosecution.
“In my judgment, it is not in the best interest of our state or nation to have the same federal agencies prosecuting Donald Trump lead this investigation, especially when the most serious offense constitutes a violation of state law, not federal law,” DeSantis said at a news conference in West Palm Beach on Tuesday.
The state-level probe, led by Attorney General Ashley Moody, will run parallel to the federal investigation into Ryan Wesley Routh, who was charged Monday with federal firearms offenses. DeSantis said Florida’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, under Moody’s supervision, might have a stronger case than the federal government.
“We have a strong interest in holding this suspect accountable,” DeSantis told reporters.
He said the case involves state law violations and could result in a stronger case at the state level. DeSantis also said that Florida prosecutors would pursue the most serious charges under state law, including attempted murder.
“I believe this offense merits life in prison, and if we don’t go to the fullest extent of the law, we lower the threshold for future attempts,” DeSantis said.
DeSantis said a state-led investigation would be “better for the public and justice,” raising concerns about the federal government’s fairness due to the ongoing case accusing Trump of mishandling classified documents at his Palm Beach home.
Ryan Wesley Routh, the suspect in Sunday’s incident, has been charged with having a gun with a scratched-off serial number and illegal possession as a felon. DeSantis said he wants Routh charged with attempted murder.
Routh, 58, was arrested Sunday after authorities noticed a gun sticking out of shrubbery on the golf course where Trump was playing. He had camped near the course for nearly 12 hours with food and a rifle, waiting for the former president. The potential attack was foiled when a Secret Service agent spotted him and opened fire.
Though Routh did not fire any shots and never had Trump in his line of sight, he fled the scene after the agent fired in his direction. He was later arrested in a neighboring county. The FBI has classified the case as an “apparent assassination attempt.”
Federal investigators are now looking into Routh’s extensive online activity, which points to a man with shifting political views. Recently, he appeared to express disdain for Trump, alongside strong anger over global issues related to China and, especially, Ukraine.
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