In recent news, a federal judge has ordered Ryan Routh, the man accused of being involved in an assassination attempt against former President Trump, to be held in custody. Magistrate Judge Ryon McCabe granted the government's request to detain Routh pending the resolution of charges during a court hearing in Florida. Routh, who appeared in a blue prison jumpsuit and shackled by his hands and feet, was reported to have been engaged and attentive during the hearing.
The Justice Department had asked the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida to keep Routh in pretrial detention, citing strong evidence against him. Routh has been charged with possessing a gun with a scratched-out number and possessing a gun illegally as a felon. However, more serious charges, such as attempted assassination of Trump, are likely pending.
In addition to the federal charges, the state of Florida is also investigating the suspected assassination attempt. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has stated that Florida will pursue more charges against Routh, with the potential of a life sentence.
The Justice Department also released a chilling letter written by Routh, obtained from a witness who received it in a box delivered by Routh several months prior to the assassination attempt. The letter discussed Routh's failure and offered a reward of $150,000 to anyone who could finish the job.
Furthermore, prosecutors mentioned Routh's past conviction for possession of a weapon of mass destruction in 2002, describing the device as a "binary explosive device" with a fuse. Routh's public defender argued during the hearing that the majority of his previous arrests were non-violent offenses.
Overall, the case against Ryan Routh is still developing, with the possibility of more serious charges being brought against him in the future. The investigation and legal proceedings are ongoing in both federal and state courts.