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Trump assassination attempt suspect gets second public defender

A police officer directs traffic near Trump International Golf Club after the apparent assassination attempt of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump in West Palm Beach, Fla., Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)

(NewsNation) — Another public defender has been added to the federal criminal case against the man suspected of trying to kill former President Donald Trump, according to court documents.

Ryan Wesley Routh is accused of pushing the muzzle of an AK-style rifle through the fence perimeter of a Florida golf course the former president was on Sunday. He reportedly camped out near the area for 12 hours with food and the rifle.

This is the second attempted assassination against Trump, the first being when a man opened fire at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Routh, however, did not actually shoot at the president before being shot at himself by Secret Service.

The two federal charges he received were for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Additional charges could be added, and the state of Florida has opened up its own investigation into the assassination attempt. He faces up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines for each gun charge.

A pretrial detention hearing has been set for Sept. 23 and an arraignment set for Sept. 30.