Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has condemned federal authorities for what he describes as deliberate interference in the state’s investigation into the September 15 attempt on President Donald Trump’s life. The suspect, Ryan Routh, is facing both federal and state charges, but Florida officials claim federal agencies are withholding critical evidence.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced Wednesday that the state has filed charges against Routh, including attempted felony murder. Moody explained that during Routh’s attempted escape, a 6-year-old girl was gravely injured in an accident caused by his actions, which Florida considers an additional crime.
Florida charged Ryan Wesley Routh with attempted felony murder for his alleged assassination attempt on Trump, which also severely injured a young girl. Attorney General Ashley Moody accused federal authorities of withholding evidence. pic.twitter.com/XbTIooDCU2
— Sequencer (@RealSeq16) December 18, 2024
Routh fled north on I-95 following the failed assassination attempt in West Palm Beach. Law enforcement had to shut down traffic in both directions to ensure public safety during his capture, Moody noted. “The defendant’s conduct jeopardized lives, including that of a young child, and his actions rise to the level of domestic terrorism,” Moody said.
State officials claim the federal government has refused to cooperate with their investigation, denying Florida access to the crime scene and key evidence. “From the outset, we encountered resistance in obtaining materials and participating in witness interviews,” Moody said during her press conference.
The state of Florida is filing new charges against the man accused of attempting to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump earlier this year in Palm Beach County. https://t.co/mfSygcb4gg
— FOX 17 (@FOX17) December 18, 2024
DeSantis has called for greater transparency from federal authorities, questioning the motives behind their resistance. “The people deserve answers about the defendant’s history and intentions,” he posted on X. He added that the state remains committed to pursuing its own investigation.
Routh’s federal trial is slated to begin in February, though a continuance has been requested. The outcome of that motion is pending a decision from Judge Aileen Cannon.
