On Monday, in a federal court, Ryan Routh entered a not guilty plea to charges claiming he tried to kill former President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach, Florida, golf course the previous month. At 58 years old, Routh is facing several accusations, including the attempted murder of a significant figure running for presidential office, attacking a federal officer, and numerous firearms offenses. Following a decision that Routh must remain in federal custody without the option for bail, he made a short court appearance in front of Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart.
The allegations are linked to an event on September 15, during which a Secret Service agent detected the barrel of a rifle emerging from foliage near where Trump was playing golf. The agent shot at the armed individual, who then escaped in an automobile. Subsequently, authorities caught Routh driving the same vehicle identified by a witness as leaving the area. A search of Routh’s vehicle by officials uncovered “a handwritten list of dates in August, September, and October and venues where the former President had appeared or was expected to be present,” as stated by the Department of Justice.
Investigators discovered a letter penned by Routh detailing his intent to assassinate Trump, placed inside a box handed to a “civilian witness.” The letter expressed regret for not succeeding in the assassination attempt, stating, “This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I am so sorry I failed you.” It went on to criticize Trump’s suitability for presidency, asserting, “Everyone across the globe from the youngest to the oldest know that Trump is unfit to be anything, much less a U.S. president. U.S. presidents must at bare minimum embody the moral fabric that is America and be kind, caring and selfless and always stand for humanity.” Records show that Routh had been previously convicted of felonies in North Carolina in December 2002 and March 2010.
Following these attempts on Trump’s life, legislation aimed at bolstering security measures for presidential candidates received approval from both the House and Senate.
Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) highlighted the urgency of the legislation, noting, “We all know why this legislation is needed. In a span of just 65 days … President Trump has been the target of two assassination attempts.” The proposed bill seeks to establish uniform security standards for presidents, vice presidents, and their respective major candidates and is now awaiting President Joe Biden’s signature.