Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has filed state charges against Ryan Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump in September. The announcement intensifies scrutiny of federal authorities, who Moody says have been uncooperative with Florida’s investigation into the incident.
Routh is already in federal custody, facing charges of attempted assassination, assaulting a federal officer, and firearms violations. Florida’s additional charges include attempted felony murder, a result of injuries caused during his attempted escape from law enforcement. Moody detailed these developments during a press conference on Wednesday.
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
“The defendant’s actions endangered public safety at multiple levels,” Moody said, referencing an incident where a 6-year-old girl was severely injured as Routh fled north on I-95. She described his behavior as “rising to the level of domestic terrorism,” underscoring the gravity of the charges.
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has supported the state’s involvement, stating that Florida will not rely solely on federal authorities to deliver justice. DeSantis criticized the federal government for blocking access to critical evidence and witness interviews. He shared his frustration on X, writing, “The feds have stonewalled Florida’s investigation of the Trump assassination attempt at every turn.”
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
Moody echoed these sentiments, alleging that federal officials had refused to share crucial materials and attempted to obstruct Florida’s investigation. “As soon as we began overtures, we immediately faced a lack of willingness to provide evidence or access to the crime scene,” she said.
The case against Routh includes significant implications for both state and federal law enforcement. Florida officials argue that federal resistance not only hinders their investigation but raises questions about transparency in prosecuting such a high-profile crime.
Routh’s federal trial is scheduled for February, pending a judge’s decision on his request for a continuance. Meanwhile, Florida continues to push forward with its case, determined to hold Routh accountable under state law.
