Florida AG Bringing New Charges Against Trump Assassination Attempt Suspect

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced state terrorism and attempted murder charges for Ryan Routh after he allegedly planned to assassinate President Donald Trump.

Key Takeaways

Ryan Routh now faces Florida state charges of attempted first-degree murder and terrorism in addition to existing federal charges for allegedly attempting to assassinate Trump.
Florida AG James Uthmeier claims the Biden administration obstructed the state’s investigation, necessitating separate state charges.
Routh allegedly conducted reconnaissance at Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course in early 2024 and reportedly sought anti-aircraft weapons to target Trump’s plane.
Secret Service spotted Routh at Trump’s golf course in September before he could act, reportedly causing him to flee without firing his weapon.
If convicted of the assassination attempt charges, Routh could face a life sentence.

Florida Takes Action with State Charges

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced state charges against Ryan Routh, who is already in federal custody for allegedly attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump. The state charges include attempted first-degree murder and terrorism, marking a significant escalation in the legal consequences Routh faces. Uthmeier emphasized that the charges reflect the political nature of the attack, which occurred when Routh allegedly positioned himself at Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course in September with an assault rifle before being spotted by Secret Service agents.

The state-level indictment comes after what Florida officials describe as significant resistance from federal authorities. Uthmeier accused the Biden administration of creating “major roadblocks” to the state’s investigation, prompting former Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to file a federal lawsuit alleging interference from the Justice Department. This perceived obstruction reportedly led Florida officials to pursue their own case parallel to the federal prosecution already underway.

Florida to charge would-be President Trump's assassination suspect Ryan Routh with state-level attempted first-degree murder and terrorism. https://t.co/vIgHZ72yKY

— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 10, 2025

Details of the Assassination Plot

According to investigators, Routh had carefully planned his attack on the president. Evidence suggests he conducted reconnaissance in West Palm Beach in early 2024, months before his September attempt. When Secret Service agents spotted him at Trump’s golf course, he had already allegedly positioned himself with an AK-style rifle between bushes near where Trump was playing. Authorities say Routh fled the scene without firing after being discovered, leading to a manhunt that ended with his capture shortly afterward on Interstate 95.

Federal authorities have alleged that Routh’s plans extended beyond the golf course incident. Government claims suggest Routh also sought anti-aircraft weapons to potentially target Trump’s plane, indicating a broader assassination scheme. His current federal charges include attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate and possessing firearms illegally. Routh has pleaded not guilty to the federal charges, and his attorneys have secured a delay in court proceedings until September to review extensive evidence.

Political Implications and Investigation Controversy

Uthmeir has been vocal about his allegations of federal obstruction of his office’s investigation. Uthmeier praised future FBI director Kash Patel and US Attorney General Pam Bondi for their cooperation while criticizing the current administration. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis had previously announced a state investigation into the assassination attempt. The state’s aggressive pursuit of the case reflects growing tensions between Florida’s Republican leadership and federal authorities.

If convicted on both federal and state charges, Routh faces the possibility of spending the rest of his life in prison, with the federal attempted assassination charge alone carrying a potential life sentence.