One of the charges Ryan Routh, the suspect who was taken into custody on Sunday for the potential assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump, is facing involves possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. This charge stems from law enforcement recovering Routh’s weapon with a damaged serial number, making it difficult to trace the firearm.
Law enforcement relies on serial numbers to track firearms, determining ownership and purchase history. In this case, federal agents encountered challenges in identifying the weapon due to the unreadable serial number. This tactic of obliterating serial numbers is commonly associated with individuals involved in drug and gang activities.
It is noted that perpetrators often attempt to erase visible serial numbers but may overlook those in less accessible areas of the gun. According to court documents unsealed on Monday, the serial number on Routh’s weapon was described as 'unreadable to the naked eye.'
As of now, Routh has been charged with two firearm-related counts in connection to the incident. The investigation into the alleged assassination attempt and the possession of the firearm with the obliterated serial number continues as authorities work to gather more evidence and information.
