Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced Wednesday that state charges have been filed against Ryan Routh, the man accused of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump. Moody revealed that the charges include attempted felony murder, which stems from injuries caused during Routh’s escape attempt.
On September 15, Routh allegedly attempted to assassinate Trump in West Palm Beach before fleeing the scene. He was apprehended on I-95 after law enforcement shut down the highway to ensure public safety. A 6-year-old girl was seriously injured during this operation, prompting state prosecutors to take additional legal action.
Florida charged Ryan Wesley Routh with attempted felony murder for his alleged assassination attempt on Trump, which also severely injured a young girl. Attorney General Ashley Moody accused federal authorities of withholding evidence. pic.twitter.com/XbTIooDCU2
— Sequencer (@RealSeq16) December 18, 2024
“The harm caused by this individual’s actions is immeasurable,” Moody said during a press conference. She described the incident as an act of domestic terrorism and pledged to hold Routh accountable under state law.
Florida officials, however, claim the federal government has hindered their investigation. Moody detailed how federal agencies refused to share key evidence or allow state investigators access to the crime scene. “Their lack of cooperation is deeply troubling,” she said.
The state of Florida is filing new charges against the man accused of attempting to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump earlier this year in Palm Beach County. https://t.co/mfSygcb4gg
— FOX 17 (@FOX17) December 18, 2024
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) echoed these concerns, stating that the federal roadblocks are unacceptable. “Florida will not be silenced in its pursuit of justice,” DeSantis said in a statement. He emphasized the importance of uncovering all facts surrounding the incident.
Routh’s federal trial is scheduled for February, though his defense team has requested additional time to prepare. The judge has not yet ruled on this request.
