A federal judge has ruled to keep Ryan Routh in custody following his alleged involvement in an assassination attempt against former President Trump. Magistrate Judge Ryon McCabe granted the government's request to detain Routh until the charges are resolved during a court hearing in Florida.
The Justice Department had petitioned the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida to hold Routh in pretrial detention, citing strong evidence against him. Routh currently faces federal charges for possessing a firearm with a scratched-out serial number and for illegal possession of a gun as a felon.
Additional charges, such as aggravated assault for pointing a rifle at a Secret Service agent and making threats against a former president, are expected to be filed against Routh. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has indicated that Routh's actions may warrant a life sentence.
Authorities revealed a disturbing letter penned by Routh, obtained from a witness who received it in a box delivered by Routh months before the assassination attempt. The letter, addressed to 'Dear World,' discussed the failed attempt and offered a reward of $150,000 to anyone who could complete the task.
Investigations suggest that Routh had been surveilling Trump for a month, carrying a passport and a phone with a search history detailing the route from Palm Beach to Florida. The case continues to unfold as more charges are anticipated in the near future.
