Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has initiated a state-level investigation into an alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
According to Newsweek, the governor expressed doubt about the federal agencies' ability to conduct an impartial investigation, given their ongoing prosecution of Trump in a separate case.
DeSantis announced this decision during a news conference in West Palm Beach on Tuesday, citing concerns over the federal government's handling of the case. DeSantis emphasized that the most serious offense in this incident constitutes a violation of state law rather than federal law.
DeSantis has assigned the case to Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, who will oversee the investigation through the Office of Statewide Prosecution.
The governor believes that state prosecutors may have a stronger case against the suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, than federal authorities. DeSantis stated that Florida would pursue the most serious charges under state law, including attempted murder.
DeSantis said:
In my judgment, it is not in the best interest of our state or nation to have the same federal agencies prosecuting Donald Trump lead this investigation, especially when the most serious offense constitutes a violation of state law, not federal law.
The incident in question occurred on Sunday when authorities discovered a gun protruding from shrubbery on a golf course where Trump was playing. Routh, a 58-year-old man, had allegedly camped near the course for nearly 12 hours, armed with food and a rifle, waiting for the former president. The potential attack was thwarted when a Secret Service agent spotted Routh and opened fire.
Although Routh did not discharge his weapon and never had Trump in his line of sight, he fled the scene after the agent fired in his direction. He was later apprehended in a neighboring county.
Federal authorities have charged Routh with possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number and illegal possession as a felon. The FBI has classified the case as an "apparent assassination attempt." Investigators are now examining Routh's extensive online activity, which reportedly indicates shifting political views and recent expressions of disdain for Trump.
DeSantis, however, argued that these federal charges are insufficient and that state-level prosecution would be more appropriate for the severity of the alleged crime. He stressed:
I believe this offense merits life in prison, and if we don't go to the fullest extent of the law, we lower the threshold for future attempts.
DeSantis' move to initiate a state investigation runs parallel to the ongoing federal probe, potentially creating tensions between state and federal law enforcement agencies.
The governor's decision may be seen as an attempt to position himself as a strong defender of Trump, despite their rivalry in the Republican presidential primary race. It also highlights the complex political dynamics surrounding Trump's legal challenges and security concerns.
Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered a state investigation into an alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump, citing distrust in federal agencies. The case has been assigned to Florida's Attorney General, with state prosecutors pursuing serious charges including attempted murder. The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, was arrested after a Secret Service agent foiled the potential attack at a golf course. Federal authorities have already filed charges, but DeSantis argues for stronger state-level prosecution. This decision highlights the political complexities surrounding Trump's security and legal situations.
