Wannabe Assassin's Letter Release Raises Fears of More Violence Targeting Trump
A letter written by a would-be assassin has raised alarms over potential incitement of violence following an attempt on the life of former President Donald Trump.
Ryan Wesley Routh, implicated in the attempted assassination of Trump at a Florida golf club, allegedly penned a letter offering a reward to anyone able to "complete the job," and the Justice Department's to publicize the document has sparked fears of additional targeting of the former president, as Newsweek reports.
Earlier this month, Secret Service agents apprehended 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh at the Trump National Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Routh was caught attempting to aim a rifle through a club fence. At the time, Donald Trump was present, though perhaps unseen by Routh due to his location on the property's golf course.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has labeled the incident an assassination attempt. This designation stems from both Routh's actions and the contents of a letter he reportedly authored.
The Department of Justice released this letter on Monday following Routh's arrest. It explicitly outlines Routh's intent and his disappointment at failing to execute his plan.
FBI’s Investigation Reveals Assassination Intent
According to the letter released by the DOJ, which was provided to authorities by an anonymous source, Routh detailed his preparation and resolve to carry out the assassination.
"This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I failed you. I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster. It is up to you now to finish the job; and I will offer $150,000 to whomever can complete the job," Routh allegedly wrote.
Routh's court appearance for a detention hearing saw U.S. Magistrate Judge Ryon McCabe order his indefinite detention without bond.
During the hearing, details were provided regarding the charges against him, including the illegal possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number as a felon.
It was indicated that further charges related to the assassination attempt would likely follow.
In response to the emerging details of the case, including the public release of Routh's incendiary letter, CNN legal analyst Elie Honig described such revelations as potentially acting as a "call to arms" for those susceptible to such messages.
Trump and DeSantis Respond to the Threat
The arrest and subsequent revelations have caught the attention of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as well.
DeSantis voiced frustrations over what he perceived as a lack of cooperation from federal entities in the investigation, prompting him to initiate a state-led investigation.
Trump criticized the DOJ and FBI via social media for what he perceives as their mishandling of this case as well as a previous assassination attempt in Pennsylvania in July where a bullet grazed his ear.
In his statement, Trump disclosed that DeSantis had agreed to take a leading role in the investigation and urged that the case be handled at the state level.
"The Kamala Harris/Joe Biden Department of Justice and FBI are mishandling and downplaying the second assassination attempt on my life since July," Trump expressed in a heated comment.
While the political and legal fallout continues, the released letter and the circumstances surrounding the failed assassination attempt remain focal points of national security concerns and political discourse.
As Routh waits in detention, the implications of his actions are still unfolding, drawing scrutiny from across the political spectrum.