Suspect in apparent Trump assassination attempt charged with federal gun crimes

The suspected gunman in an apparent second attempted assassination of former President Trump has been charged with federal gun crimes. 

Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, appeared in federal court in West Palm Beach on Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ryon McCabe, court records show.

Routh is accused of possessing a firearm despite being a convicted felon and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

He allegedly pushed the muzzle of a rifle through the perimeter of Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach on Sunday while the former president was on the course, prompting a Secret Service agent to fire.  

Routh then allegedly fled the area, where agents found two bags, a loaded rifle with a scope and other items, according to an affidavit by FBI Special Agent Mark Thomas. When stopped by law enforcement on I-95 in a neighboring county, Routh answered affirmatively that he knew why he was being stopped, the affidavit says. 

Further investigation determined that Routh’s cell phone was present along the golf course tree line where the alleged gunman took aim for approximately 12 hours before the incident occurred — and left the area just after the incident.  

Prosecutors are seeking to detain Routh until his trial. He will remain in custody at least until next Monday, when the judge scheduled a detention hearing, court records show. 

The Hill requested comment from Routh’s public defender and federal prosecutors in the Southern District of Florida. 

Trump thanked law enforcement for doing an “incredible job” keeping him safe in a post to Truth Social. 

The incident, which the FBI is investigating as an apparent assassination attempt, marked the second attempt on Trump’s life this year.  

In July, a lone shooter took aim at Trump during an outdoor campaign rally in Pennsylvania. Trump was bloodied by an apparent shot to the ear, but otherwise unharmed. A rallygoer was killed.  

The two charges against Routh carry a combined maximum of 20 years in prison, but additional and more serious charges against Routh are possible as investigators continue to examine the incident. Federal prosecutors have not yet sought an indictment from a grand jury. 

The judge scheduled Routh’s arraignment for Sept. 30.

The felon-in-possession charge carries a maximum of 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, unless the defendant has previously committed three violent felonies, when a 15-year mandatory minimum kicks in. Routh has multiple past criminal convictions in North Carolina, court records show. 

The second charge carries a maximum of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. 

A public defender appeared with Routh in court, who was shackled and in a blue jumpsuit, according to The Associated Press. 

Updated 12:35 p.m. EDT