DeSantis: Florida authorities launching criminal probe of Trump assassination attempt

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said Tuesday that the state is launching a criminal probe into the apparent assassination attempt on former President Trump at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Fla., over the weekend.

“The public deserves to know the truth about how this assassination [attempt] came to be,” DeSantis said during a press conference Tuesday morning. “And I have directed all state agencies to work expeditiously to be able to uncover [the] truth in addition to holding the suspect accountable.” 

The Secret Service engaged with the alleged would-be-assassin, identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, along the perimeter of the former president’s resort. Routh was seen pushing the muzzle of a rifle through the fence, according to authorities.

He did not have a clear line of sight to the GOP presidential nominee and did not fire any shots, per law enforcement. The suspect fled but was apprehended later and charged Monday with federal gun crimes related to unlawful possession and an obliterated serial number on the firearm.

The state-level probe will run simultaneously with the ongoing federal investigation where more charges could be brought against Routh.

The gun charges could carry a punishment of up to 20 years in prison. His arraignment was scheduled for Sept. 30.

“We have a strong interest in the state of Florida of bringing the suspect to justice to the fullest extent of law,” DeSantis said. “The state of Florida has the appropriate jurisdiction to be able to do that, to be able to bring appropriate charges that will lead to appropriate punishment.” 

“I feel that this is [a] pretty straightforward violation of state law, potentially,” he continued, adding later, “Of course, they have to investigate and prove it up and they have to get the charges filed and agreed to to go forward, but I think they can do that.”