Suspect in Alleged Trump Assassination Attempt Charged with Gun Crimes

Ryan Wesley Routh, a suspect in an alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, has been charged with two federal gun crimes: possession of a firearm while being a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. He remains in custody, with a detention hearing set for Monday.

Routh was arrested after Secret Service agents fired at him when he was spotted near a Florida golf club with a rifle. The suspect, who owns a construction company in Hawaii, had criticised Trump on social media and expressed strong support for Ukraine. Authorities believe he was planning an attack on Trump, though the investigation is ongoing.

Despite the incident, Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris continue their campaigns for the upcoming election. Trump has blamed President Joe Biden and Harris for inciting the suspect with their political rhetoric, while Harris and Biden have both expressed relief that Trump was unharmed and condemned violence.

Federal charges, rather than state charges, are expected against Routh, with prosecutors focussing on his intent to target a Secret Service agent rather than Trump due to the distance between the two at the time of the incident.