WEST PALM BEACH, USA – Ryan Wesley Routh, the man arrested on suspicion of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, was charged on Monday, September 16, 2024, with two federal gun-related crimes during his appearance at a federal courthouse in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Routh faces charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
Both charges carry significant penalties, with the first carrying a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison if Routh is found guilty.
These charges stem from his arrest on Sunday, after law enforcement stopped him following a shooting incident near Trump International Golf Club.
Routh, 58, was apprehended by the Secret Service and local law enforcement after he was suspected of planning to target Trump, who was playing a round of golf at the time.
A long gun with an obliterated serial number was recovered from the scene, raising concerns about Routh’s intentions.
During his court appearance on Monday, Routh was formally charged with the two gun-related offenses, though additional charges could be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
Prosecutors have yet to announce any charges specifically related to an assassination attempt on Trump, but the gun charges alone could result in a lengthy prison sentence.
In response to the incident, Donald Trump is expected to meet with the acting director of the Secret Service on Monday to discuss the security breach.
Later that evening, Trump is scheduled to unveil a new cryptocurrency business.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris is set to meet with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a key labour union that has yet to endorse a candidate in the 2024 presidential race.
As the investigation into Routh’s actions continues, more details about his motives and potential charges related to the incident will emerge in the coming days.
