Routh Observed Mar-a-Lago and Trump Golf Course, Possibly in Planning Stage of Escape, Released Documents Reveal
Weeks of Surveillance, Planned Escape
Federal prosecutors and a judge believe that Ryan Routh, the suspect in the second Trump assassination attempt, possibly prepared to escape into Mexico. According to the recently disclosed documents, Routh observed the resort Mar-a-Lago and the golf course of the former president in West Palm Beach for weeks.
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| A courtroom sketch shows Ryan Routh as he appears in federal court in West Palm Beach, Fla., Monday, Sept. 23, 2019. Routh faces charges stemming from last week's alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. (Lothar Speer) |
Charges and Court Proceedings
Routh also faces federal charges: possession of a firearm with an altered serial number and illegal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. A federal judge ordered Routh to remain behind bars on Monday. Citing Routh's charges, which include stalking Trump over 30 days and describing him as a significant flight risk, Magistrate Judge Ryon McCabe made the ruling.
"Talk about a flight risk," said Rep. David Joyce, R-Ohio, a member of the bipartisan task force investigating a prior assassination attempt against Trump in Pennsylvania. "I'm concerned," Joyce said in an interview with Fox News.
Preplanning Evidence of Escape
Among this evidence is a cell phone found in Routh's car during his September 15 arrest. A report from the Department of Justice revealed it contains a Google search about how one could travel from Palm Beach County to Mexico.
In addition, the FBI took records from two cell phones from the vehicle Routh was driving, showing these devices connecting to cell towers near both Trump International Golf Club and Mar-a-Lago between August 18 and September 15, 2024.
More Items Taken End
Other items that had fallen into Routh's possession include 12 pairs of gloves, a Hawaii driver's license in his name and a passport. These discoveries raise further suspicion on his intentions and maybe possible escape routes.
Possible Indictment for Assassination Attempt
Prosecutors stated that they intend to forward the case to a grand jury to secure an indictment based on the attempted assassination of Donald Trump-a crime that has the potential for a life sentence.
Another letter written by Routh months before the assassination attempt was also disclosed by the Department of Justice on Monday-but its contents have yet to be fully seen by the public.
Incidents of Further Destruction
She added worry that such a case may become a trigger for similar events: "I certainly hope this letter was not a call to action for others. We've already seen two attempts, and God forbid there be more." Such words are an expression of feelings of increasing concern of officials about the further threats against former president.