Ryan Wesley Routh, arrested after being spotted by Secret Service agents on Sunday, September 15 in Florida near Donald Trump, did not use his weapon against the former American president, authorities indicated during a press conference on Monday, September 16.
Ryan Wesley Routh, the suspect arrested in the investigation into the alleged assassination attempt against Donald Trump, “did not shoot,” said Ronald Rowe, acting director of the Secret Service, responsible for protecting senior American political figures, on Monday, September 16.
Spotted by a Secret Service agent who opened fire on him, “the suspect, who had no line of sight on the former president, fled. He did not shoot,” declared Ronald Rowe during a press conference in West Palm Beach, Florida (southeast).
The suspect was apprehended after being caught thanks to a witness who identified his car.
Ryan Wesley Routh held in custody
Routh was brought before a judge and was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm based on his criminal record and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. In addition to those charges, which carry maximum sentences of 15 years and five years in prison, he is expected to face additional charges at a later date.
Donald Trump, FBI investigate possible second assassination attempt
His next court appearance, on his continued detention, has been set for September 23, and his formal arraignment a week later. Attorney General Merrick Garland said his office would devote “all available resources” to the investigation.
During his interrogation, Ryan Wesley Routh invoked his right to have a lawyer, authorities explained at a press conference. The motives of the 58-year-old pro-Ukrainian American remain unknown for the moment.
The Secret Service “did exactly what it was supposed to do”
Joe Biden on Monday called for “more help” for the Secret Service, the elite police force responsible for protecting high-profile political figures, which he said needed “more personnel,” calling on Congress to release additional resources during a brief exchange with the press at the White House.
“The highest priority is to have answers to understand how President Trump was able to suffer multiple assassination attempts,” commented the Republican leader of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, a close ally of the billionaire.
Donald Trump “is not the sitting president. If he were, we would have completely surrounded the golf course (where he was on Sunday, editor’s note). But since he is not, the security is limited to the locations chosen by the Secret Service” which “did exactly what it had to do”, explained Palm Beach County (Florida) Sheriff Ric Bradshaw on Sunday.
