New details have emerged in the case of Ryan Routh, the man suspected of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump on September 15, 2024.
According to a recent filing by the U.S. Justice Department in a Florida federal court, Routh appears to have stalked Trump at his Florida golf club and Mar-a-Lago resort for approximately one month prior to his arrest.
Bloomberg reported that the filing includes previously undisclosed information about Routh's alleged activities and movements. Among the new revelations is a letter addressed to the "world" in which Routh purportedly admits to the assassination attempt on Trump, who is the Republican nominee in the upcoming November election.
The Justice Department's filing includes a portion of the letter attributed to Routh, which reads:
This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I failed you. I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster. It is up to you now to finish the job; and I will offer $150,000 to whomever can complete the job.
This letter could potentially serve as crucial evidence for the government in establishing Routh's intent to assassinate the former president. Currently, Routh faces charges including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, with a formal indictment expected on September 30 that may include additional charges.
The Justice Department's filing paints a picture of extensive planning and surveillance by Routh. According to cell phone data, Routh's device accessed cell towers near Trump International and Mar-a-Lago multiple times between August 18 and September 15, 2024.
Further evidence suggests that Routh had been planning the attack for months. He reportedly traveled from Greensboro, North Carolina, to West Palm Beach on August 14. Upon his arrest, authorities discovered a handwritten list in his vehicle detailing dates in August, September, and October, along with venues where Trump had appeared or was expected to be present.
The Secret Service apprehended Routh on September 15 when he was spotted hiding in the bushes at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach with a loaded assault rifle. This arrest came after what appears to be a month-long period of stalking the former president.
The revelation of Routh's extended surveillance period is likely to intensify criticism of law enforcement and security agencies. Questions are being raised about whether more could have been done to identify and apprehend Routh earlier, potentially preventing the close call at Trump's golf club.
This incident follows another narrow escape in July when a gunman fired at Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. That attack resulted in one audience member's death, serious injuries to two others, and a minor injury to Trump himself.
In response to these security concerns, House lawmakers approved a bill on Friday that would require increased protection for major candidates running for office. The legislation aims to standardize Secret Service protection levels for presidents, vice presidents, and major White House candidates.
The Justice Department's filing also mentions a box that Routh allegedly left with an unidentified person several months ago. After Routh's arrest, this individual opened the box and discovered it contained "ammunition, a metal pipe, miscellaneous building materials, tools, four phones, and various letters."
In conclusion, the Justice Department's filing has revealed new and alarming details about the alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump. The suspect, Ryan Routh, is said to have stalked the former president for a month and admitted to the attempt in a letter. This case has raised serious questions about the security measures in place for high-profile political figures and may lead to significant changes in how protection is provided for candidates in future elections.
