Florida has accused federal authorities of obstructing its investigation into the September 15 attempt on President Donald Trump’s life. The suspect, Ryan Routh, faces multiple federal charges, but the state of Florida has also filed its own case, including charges of attempted felony murder.
Attorney General Ashley Moody announced the state’s charges Wednesday, citing injuries to a 6-year-old girl during Routh’s escape attempt as a key factor. “This case is not just about an assassination attempt. It involves reckless actions that harmed innocent people,” Moody said.
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 from law enforcement on I-95 after the failed attempt in West Palm Beach. Officers shut down traffic to apprehend him, leading to an accident that left the young girl critically injured. Moody called the incident an example of domestic terrorism and promised a thorough state-led prosecution.
Despite these efforts, Florida officials say federal authorities have refused to cooperate. Moody detailed a lack of access to evidence and crime scenes, claiming the feds are trying to block the state’s involvement. “This kind of obstruction raises serious questions,” Moody said.
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
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) issued a sharp rebuke, demanding answers from federal agencies. “The people deserve to know the truth about this case, including the suspect’s motives and history,” DeSantis wrote on X. He assured Floridians that the state would not back down.
Routh’s trial at the federal level is set to begin in February, pending a ruling on a request for delay submitted by his defense team.
