WASHINGTON, SEPT 25 – The man facing charges of plotting to kill the former president of the United States (US), Donald Trump, was charged yesterday, the German News Agency (dpa) reported citing US authorities.
On September 15, a US Secret Service agent saw what appeared to be a rifle barrel from between the trees while Trump was playing golf on his Florida course. The agent fired at the suspected firearm, before a witness saw the suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, fleeing the scene.
Routh was taken into custody by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office after his vehicle was spotted about 50 miles from the scene. He was previously charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited individual and possession and receipt of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
Now, he has been indicted on charges of attempting to assassinate a presidential candidate, an act that FBI Director Christopher Wray said “threatens the very foundation of our democratic system.”
Court documents also revealed that Routh left a letter containing his planned intentions. The handwritten letter, which was addressed to “Dear World”, stated among other things, “This was an attempt to kill Donald Trump but I am very sorry for failing to carry it out.”
If convicted, Routh faces up to life in prison.
Last July, Trump suffered a gunshot wound to his right ear while attending a campaign event in Pennsylvania. The suspect was shot dead by security forces shortly after the incident. One spectator was reported dead, while two others were injured in the incident. – Named
