Federal investigators are intensifying their efforts to bring more serious charges against the suspect in the apparent assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump at a Florida golf club. The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, is currently facing gun-related charges, but authorities are working to build a case for additional charges.
Investigators are examining electronic evidence and other materials to determine if there is a foreign nexus in the case. While there is no evidence yet suggesting that Routh was motivated or instructed by foreign elements to target Trump, authorities are exploring all possible angles.
Routh, who has not cooperated with the FBI since his arrest, is scheduled to appear at a detention hearing where prosecutors will argue for his continued detention before trial. Prosecutors have emphasized the need for clear evidence of Routh's intent to target Trump in order to bring maximum charges against him.
The US Secret Service has stated that Routh did not have a direct line of sight to Trump at the time of the incident and did not fire a shot before fleeing the scene. This presents a challenge for prosecutors, who will need to rely on other evidence to establish Routh's intent that day.
Palm Beach County State Attorney David Aronberg highlighted that intent to harm a former president or presidential candidate can lead to federal charges, even without actually carrying out an attack. Investigators are searching for any writings or online posts by Routh that may indicate his intention to target Trump.
The case remains ongoing, with prosecutors potentially filing additional charges against Routh at any time. The investigation is complex, and authorities are working diligently to ensure that justice is served in this high-profile case.