DOJ Reveals New Details on Trump Assassination Attempt

Attorney General Merrick Garland gave an update Tuesday on the investigation into the second assassination attempt against Donald Trump, vowing to “spare no resources.”
“The FBI is continuing to investigate the apparent assassination attempt of the former president that occurred on Sunday in Florida. We are grateful that he is safe,” Garland said during a press conference.
The conference was held less than 48 hours after the suspected gunman, Ryan Wesley Routh, allegedly tried to shoot the Republican presidential nominee. Trump was uninjured in the shooting.
Garland continued, “The entire Justice Department, including in particular the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Southern District of Florida, the National Security Division, are all coordinating closely with our local, state law enforcement partners on the ground.”
Routh, 58, was arrested Sunday and accused of pointing a rifle from the bushes surrounding the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach while the former president was playing on the course. It was the second assassination attempt against Trump in recent months, following the July 13 shooting at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. That shooter grazed Trump’s ear and killed rallygoer Corey Comperatore.
On Sunday, Trump quickly returned to his Mar-a-Lago residence after the incident. His campaign staff said he was “safe following gunshots in his vicinity.”
At his press conference, Garland reinforced the commitment of federal law enforcement officials to working with local agencies in the probe of Sunday’s incident.
“We will all work together to tirelessly determine accountability in this manner,” he said.
Routh has been charged with possession of a firearm while a former felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, which are federal crimes. He appeared in court on Monday before a magistrate judge but did not say much during the hearing.
Trump survived “what appears to be an assassination attempt,” according to the FBI. A Secret Service agent fired in the rifle’s direction when it was spotted in the bushes, and the suspect fled without firing, Secret Service acting Director Ronald Rowe said. Routh was able to get within 300 to 500 yards from the former president.
Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ordered a state investigation into the assassination attempt. He pointed to distrust in federal law enforcement because of the ongoing federal criminal case involving Trump’s efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
“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.
Trump responded to the incident in a statement released Monday by his campaign.
“There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL! Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER! I will always love you for supporting me.”
Vice President Kamala Harris, who is running against Trump, condemned the incident in a post to X (formerly Twitter).
“I have been briefed on reports of gunshots fired near former President Trump and his property in Florida, and I am glad he is safe. Violence has no place in America,” she wrote.
Routh will remain in custody until he is arraigned on September 30. Additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.
Update 9/17/24, 1:41 p.m. and 2:17 p.m. ET: This story was updated with additional background and information.