Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced new state-level charges against Ryan Wesley Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump. These charges include attempted first-degree murder and terrorism, marking a dramatic escalation in the legal response to what authorities are calling a politically motivated act of domestic extremism.
The charges stem from a September 2024 incident at Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course, where Secret Service agents reportedly spotted Routh concealed in the bushes with a rifle. According to law enforcement, he appeared to be aiming toward the course when agents opened fire. Routh fled the scene but was later captured and taken into federal custody.
Routh was already facing multiple federal charges, including the attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assault on federal officers, and various firearms violations. If convicted federally, he could face life in prison. Florida’s additional charges make it clear that the state intends to pursue its own prosecution, regardless of federal proceedings.
“Attempting to take the life of a former president and the leading candidate for the presidency is more than just a violent crime—it is an attack on American democracy itself,” said Attorney General Uthmeier. “We will not tolerate political violence of any kind, and Florida will pursue justice to the fullest extent of the law.”
According to prosecutors, the plot was not a spur-of-the-moment act but a long-planned assassination attempt. Investigators found communications showing Routh allegedly tried to acquire advanced military-grade weapons—including a rocket-propelled grenade and a Stinger missile—from individuals he believed were Ukrainian arms dealers. These messages included discussions about logistics, weapons pricing, and even photographs of Trump’s aircraft, pointing to an intent far beyond a simple attack.
Perhaps most disturbing, investigators also recovered a handwritten manifesto titled “To The World,” in which Routh allegedly took credit for the failed attempt and offered a financial reward to anyone willing to finish the job. Alongside the letter was a detailed list of Trump’s scheduled public appearances, further evidence of what authorities describe as methodical planning.
Routh has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His federal trial is scheduled to begin in September 2025. With Florida now adding its own charges, he faces prosecution on two fronts for one of the most serious political crimes in modern U.S. history.
Officials have also alleged that the prior administration obstructed parts of the investigation, delaying Florida’s ability to proceed sooner. The new state charges reflect a broader effort by current leadership to send a message: political violence—especially targeting a former or future president—will not be met with silence or leniency.
As both federal and state cases move forward, the American public is watching closely. This isn’t just a criminal prosecution—it’s a reminder of the dangerous political climate that has emerged and the resolve of law enforcement to protect our leaders and our institutions.