In a surprising move, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee has launched an investigation into the Justice Department's handling of a sensitive document.
According to Fox News, the committee is scrutinizing why the DOJ publicly released a manifesto by Ryan Routh, who is accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, considering the potential for it to inspire more criminal actions.
The scrutiny comes after Ryan Routh, detected by a Secret Service agent, was arrested for attempting to target Trump at the Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida. His unsettling manifesto, unveiled in a court document, put forth a $150,000 reward for anyone who could "complete the job" of killing Trump should he fail.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan has sharply criticized the decision by the Department of Justice to release the detailed manifesto. He argues that such actions contradict previous DOJ policies, which typically withhold the publication of criminal manifestos to prevent them from encouraging others.
This revelation comes as part of a broader inquiry demanded by Chairman Jordan, who seeks all related DOJ communications and a full briefing by October 9. Ryan Routh faces severe charges, including the attempted assassination with a life sentence and federal charges related to illegal gun possession.
The chairman's concern is punctuated by the implications of the DOJ's actions, given its concurrent legal actions against Trump under various charges. Jim Jordan expressed this conflict in a stark statement:
During your tenure as Attorney General, the Department has generally refused to release details about so-called 'manifestos' written by the perpetrators of high-profile crimes.
Yet, earlier this week, in a public court filing, the Department released a letter in which the man who sought to assassinate President Donald J. Trump in Florida on September 15, 2024, offered a $150,000 bounty on President Trump.
The manifest's release seemingly contrasts with Attorney General Merrick Garland's previous stands, as he emphasized the DOJ's commitment to thorough investigations and accountability. "Our nation has now experienced two assassination attempts against the former president in just the last three months," remarked Garland, amplifying the gravity of the security threats.
The timeline of these unsettling events begins with a prior assassination attempt in July 2024 by another individual, Thomas Crooks, against Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. This marks a disturbing trend of significant threats against the former president, raising serious questions about his safety and the motives behind these attacks.
In light of these events and growing public scrutiny, Attorney General Merrick Garland reassured the nation of the DOJ's vigilance. He stated, "The Justice Department is committed to using the full force of our authorities to thoroughly investigate every lead and ensure accountability into this matter. That is abhorrent."
As the DOJ prepares to satisfy the document requests from the House Judiciary Committee by early October, the repercussions of its decisions continue to unfold. This series of events underscores the complex balance between public transparency and the risk of circulating material that could potentially incite further violence.
In conclusion, the situation encapsulates profound implications for justice and national security. The detailed, public release of a manifesto by a would-be assassin against a former President has not only led to governmental scrutiny but has also stirred broader debates about the influence of such disclosures on public safety and the integrity of legal proceedings.
