Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis increases charges against suspect in Trump assassination attempt.
Ryan Wesley Routh is being accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump.
Gov. Ron DeSantis expressed his desire for an attempted murder charge against Ryan Wesley Routh, the failed Trump assassination suspect, who could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Routh, 58, has been charged with possessing a gun with a scratched-out number and with possessing a gun illegally as a felon, though more serious charges are likely pending.
DeSantis stated during a Tuesday morning press conference in West Palm Beach that he believes this offense deserves life in prison, and if we do not enforce the law to its fullest extent, it sets a precedent for others to follow suit.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody was tasked by the governor to probe the assassination attempt on former President Trump on Sunday.
The Office of Statewide Prosecution in Florida may have a stronger case against the federal government, according to DeSantis.
DeSantis stated at the news conference that in his opinion, it is not in the best interest of our state or our nation to have federal agencies that are seeking to prosecute Donald Trump leading this investigation, particularly when the most serious offense is a violation of state law, not federal law.
While federal authorities are also investigating the incident, Florida is conducting an independent investigation.
"The suspect must be held accountable, but the public also has a right to know the truth about the assassination attempt," DeSantis stated. "I'm not sure if the club is open yet. I believe it opens in October. I don't think it's even open for members yet, so why would he choose to dig in now?"
The Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach did not immediately confirm whether it is still closed to members. Routh's attorney could not be reached for comment.
On Sunday, Routh was arrested after authorities noticed a gun protruding from the bushes on the golf course where Trump was playing that afternoon. It was reported that Routh had been camping outside the golf course with food and a rifle for approximately 12 hours, according to phone records.
Officials said that Routh did not fire any shots, never had Trump in his line of sight, and sped away after the agent who spotted him fired in his direction. He was later arrested in a neighboring county.
DeSantis stated, "We'll examine how this man managed to remain concealed in the bushes for what appeared to be 12 hours and how it occurred."
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