Ryan Routh, a man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump at his Florida golf course, has warned from his federal prison cell that Trump’s re-election could lead to a “civil war.” Routh, 58, sent a letter to the Palm Beach Post claiming that a second Trump term would spell “the end of democracy and the beginnings of a civil war,” urging Florida residents to prevent Trump from returning to office.
In the letter, Routh, who signed off as “Trump Alleged Shooter Ryan W. Routh,” voiced fears that Trump “will not let go of power if we all give it to him.” He also asked residents of Palm Beach to consider their influence, saying they should “lead the way” in choosing democracy over what he called “a dictator.”
The letter, which comes just two weeks after prosecutors raised concerns that Routh might attempt to reach the media, was met with objections from his public defenders, who argued that public statements about the case have come only from government officials, including those in the DOJ, FBI, and Secret Service.
Routh allegedly attempted to target Trump on September 15 at Trump International Golf Club in Palm Beach. He was reportedly spotted pointing a rifle through nearby bushes with a clear view of the sixth hole while Trump was on the fifth. Secret Service agents promptly secured Trump after hearing gunshots, and a witness observed Routh fleeing toward a black Nissan Xterra parked nearby, noting part of its license plate number.
Local law enforcement tracked down Routh’s vehicle, discovering six cellphones, a list of Trump’s scheduled appearances, and various items suggesting plans to evade capture, including a Google search on how to travel from Palm Beach County to Mexico.
Now facing charges of attempted assassination, firearm possession, and assault on a federal officer, Routh has pleaded not guilty and awaits trial in February. If convicted on all charges, he could face life in prison.
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