Florida opens state investigation into Trump assassination attempt
- Suspect in second Trump assassination attempt faces federal gun charges
- Florida prosecutors tasked by Florida Gov. DeSantis with opening own probe
- 'I've directed state agencies to move expeditiously,' DeSantis said
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(NewsNation) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday his state will conduct its own investigation into the second assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump.
At a press conference, DeSantis said he assigned the case to a statewide prosecutor who will go after the most serious charges they can against the suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, including attempted murder. Routh is accused of pushing the muzzle of an AK-style rifle through the fence perimeter of the West Palm Beach golf course the former president was on Sunday afternoon.
DeSantis said he expects full transparency during this probe.
“I’ve directed state agencies to move expeditiously and provide full transparency to the public,” DeSantis said. The Republican governor added that he noticed security flaws when playing golf with Trump in West Palm Beach.
It’s not uncommon for state and federal law enforcement agencies to run simultaneous investigations into crimes. States may be able to bring charges that are unavailable at the federal level and vice versa. Currently, Routh faces gun charges at the federal level, though additional ones could be forthcoming.
Federal investigation into Trump assassination attempt
Federal investigators have been speaking with Routh’s family members and combing through his social media as well as looking at DNA evidence.
His motive has not been disclosed by authorities, and Routh invoked his right to an attorney when questioned. On the day of the apparent assassination attempt, Routh camped outside the golf course for nearly 12 hours. The Secret Service said that he did not have a line of sight to the former president and never fired his weapon.
During a court appearance Monday, a judge ordered Routh to remain locked up after prosecutors argued he was a flight risk. Routh has been moved from the Palm Beach County jail to the federal lockup in Miami. A federal magistrate set additional hearings for later this month.
“We will spare no resource in this investigation,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said Tuesday during an event at the Justice Department.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
