Ryan Routh, the man already facing federal charges for the alleged assassination attempt on then-presidential candidate Donald Trump last year, now faces additional state charges in Florida, including attempted first-degree murder and terrorism.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the charges via a video statement released on social media earlier today. Uthmeier stated his office secured a warrant and is formally charging Routh in connection with the September 15, 2024, incident at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.
RELATED: Plot To Assassinate President Trump: Shocking Details Emerge In Federal Court Filings
“Today, my office is officially charging Brian Routh for attempting to assassinate then presidential candidate Donald J Trump,” Uthmeier stated, clarifying the charges included “attempted first-degree murder of President Trump, as well as a charge for terrorism.”
In his statement, Uthmeier accused the previous federal administration under President Biden of hindering the state’s investigation.
“206 days of stonewalling by the federal government that stemmed from days of the Biden Administration,” Uthmeier claimed, adding that his office and law enforcement partners “were met with major roadblocks in prosecuting this case during Biden’s term.”
He alleged that the Biden administration “sought to frustrate our efforts and block our investigation.”
Uthmeier credited the current federal leadership for enabling the state prosecution to move forward. “Thank God we have Donald Trump as president again,” he said. “The leadership of U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, an FBI director Kash Patel, was instrumental in preserving Florida’s Sovereign Authority… We now have a federal government willing to work together to pursue Justice.”
READ: Gun Rights Group Applauds Trump’s Appointment Of Army Secretary Driscoll As Acting ATF Director
The Attorney General framed the alleged assassination attempt as more than an attack on an individual.
“Attempting to take the life of a former president and a leading presidential candidate isn’t just an attack on one man,” Uthmeier declared. “This was a political attack against our Republican form of government and our shared American values.”
This announcement of state charges comes shortly after federal prosecutors revealed new details in their case against Routh.
Court documents, obtained by Tampa Free Press, allege Routh attempted to acquire military-grade weapons, including a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launcher or a Stinger missile, from a contact in Ukraine as part of the plot. The documents allegedly quote Routh telling an associate, “send me a RPG or Stinger,” and later explaining, “I need equipment so that Trump cannot get elected.”
Attorney General Uthmeier concluded his statement by affirming the state’s commitment to prosecuting the case. “Our Statewide prosecutors will work to hold this evil man accountable and keep Florida safe, strong, and free.”
Routh was already detained on federal charges related to the assassination attempt. The new state charges add another layer of legal jeopardy for the suspect.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
