A 58-year-old man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump has been ordered to remain behind bars without bail until his trial.

Magistrate Judge Ryon McCabe made this decision regarding continued custody of Ryan Routh during a Monday court hearing after prosecutors presented evidence suggesting the suspect posed a significant threat to public safety, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Routh faces two firearm-related charges following the Sept. 15 incident at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. The event unfolded near the sixth hole of the course, where Routh was allegedly seen aiming a rifle through a fence by a Secret Service agent. He was arrested shortly after the encounter and has since been held in custody.

Surveillance and Evidence Presented in Court

During the hearing, prosecutors provided a detailed account of Routh’s actions leading up to the attempted attack. According to the evidence, Routh had been tracking Trump’s movements for nearly a month before the incident. His travel records showed he had visited both the golf course and Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort multiple times between Aug. 18 and Sept. 15.

The court also heard about an ominous note Routh had written months earlier. In the note, Routh expressed regret over his plan, stating, "Dear World, This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I am so sorry I failed you." This piece of evidence, coupled with the fact that Routh had been spotted with a rifle just moments before the arrest, solidified the prosecutors' argument that Routh posed a serious threat.

Details of the Attempt and Arrest

On Sept. 15, Routh was found behind a fence at the Trump International Golf Club. A Secret Service agent noticed a long black object protruding through the fence and quickly realized it was the barrel of a rifle aimed directly at him. According to the prosecution, the agent immediately took action, firing at Routh.

Routh fled the scene but was apprehended soon after on a nearby highway. His arrest marked the end of a month-long stalking effort that involved detailed surveillance and tracking of Trump’s whereabouts.

Prosecutors Argue for Detainment

Leading up to Monday’s court hearing, prosecutors urged the judge to detain Routh, citing the seriousness of the charges and the ongoing investigation. During the hearing, they introduced further evidence to support their argument, including notes from Routh’s notepad documenting his plans and surveillance.

Given the gravity of the accusations, Routh could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors also indicated that additional charges could be brought against him as more evidence is uncovered.

Defense Claims Financial Hardship

Routh, represented by two public defense attorneys, claimed that he was financially unable to afford his own legal representation.

He also mentioned his inability to pay any significant amount of money, including the bounty connected to his assassination attempt. Despite this, the judge remained firm in the decision to detain him without bail, prioritizing public safety over financial considerations.

Additional Details of Incident

The hearing also revealed other key aspects of the investigation. In addition to his note and surveillance efforts, prosecutors emphasized the immediacy of the threat posed by Routh. His arrest, which occurred shortly after the Secret Service encounter, was viewed as a near-miss event, as authorities believed his intent to assassinate Trump was imminent.

The decision to detain Routh without bail was not unexpected, given the severity of the charges. The court will now proceed to trial, where more details of the planned assassination attempt will likely emerge.

Secret Service Encounter Proved Critical

One of the most critical pieces of evidence in the case came from the Secret Service agent’s firsthand account. The agent described the tense moments behind the sixth hole of the golf course, where he saw the rifle barrel pointed directly at him. This account, combined with Routh’s detailed preparations, painted a clear picture of a premeditated attack.

The decision to fire at Routh was described by prosecutors as an act of self-defense, as the agent believed his life was in immediate danger.

Routh to Remain in Custody

Ultimately, Magistrate Judge Ryon McCabe’s ruling emphasized the potential threat posed by Routh if released before trial. His decision to keep Routh detained without bail came after careful consideration of the evidence presented and the public safety concerns raised by the prosecution.

The court’s ruling sets the stage for an intense trial, where Routh will face not only the two gun-related charges but also the possibility of additional charges as the investigation continues.

Conclusion

Ryan Wesley Routh, accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, has been ordered to remain in custody without bail.

The charges stem from a Sept. 15 incident at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, where Routh allegedly aimed a rifle at a Secret Service agent. Prosecutors presented evidence of Routh’s detailed surveillance and ominous writings, portraying him as a significant danger.

Despite claims of financial hardship, the judge prioritized public safety, keeping Routh behind bars as he awaits trial. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted, with the potential for additional charges as the investigation unfolds.