Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has directed state authorities to conduct an independent investigation into the recent assassination attempt on President Donald Trump, raising concerns over federal agencies’ involvement in the case. DeSantis, citing distrust in federal investigators, assigned Florida’s Attorney General’s Office and state law enforcement to take the lead.
During a press conference, DeSantis argued that federal agencies prosecuting Trump should not be responsible for investigating the assassination attempt, stating, “It’s not in the best interest of our state or our nation.” He emphasized that the crime violated Florida law, giving the state proper jurisdiction to pursue the case.
The suspect, Ryan Routh, was arrested after being found armed near Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course. Federal authorities have charged Routh with gun-related offenses, but DeSantis criticized these charges as insufficient, calling for more serious consequences under state law. Routh, known for his anti-Trump rhetoric and ties to Democrat causes, is suspected of more involvement in international activities that could have influenced his actions.
Attorney General Ashley Moody pledged a thorough investigation, aiming to uncover how this attempt on Trump’s life came to be. She stressed the importance of state-led efforts to provide transparency and restore public trust, stating, “Florida will work quickly to uncover the facts.”
DeSantis expressed frustration over previous federal investigations, including the Las Vegas mass shooting, that left the public with few answers. He argued that Florida’s approach would ensure accountability and transparency, two things he believes federal agencies have failed to deliver in the past.
The governor promised to make the results of the state’s investigation available to the public, hoping to reassure Floridians that justice would be served.
