Suspect in Trump Attack Did Not Fire Weapon, Officials Say

On Monday, federal officials provided a crucial update on the recent attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, revealing that the suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, neither fired his weapon nor had Trump within his direct line of sight. This disclosure comes as the investigation into the incident continues to unfold, offering a clearer picture of the events that transpired and the ongoing efforts to ensure Trump’s safety.

Ronald L. Rowe Jr., the acting director of the Secret Service, provided an in-depth overview of the situation during a press conference. Rowe confirmed that Routh, the primary suspect, did not discharge his firearm at any point during the episode. This significant detail suggests that although the intent behind the act was severe, the actual threat to Trump was somewhat mitigated by the suspect’s actions and positioning. According to Rowe, Routh was positioned between 300 and 500 yards away from Trump at the time of the incident. This distance, coupled with the fact that Routh did not have a direct line of sight to Trump, indicates that the former president was not in immediate danger from the suspect’s weapon.

The Secret Service’s primary concern remains Trump’s security, and Rowe assured that Trump is currently receiving the highest level of protection available. The agency is working diligently to assess and enhance security measures in response to the incident, ensuring that the former president’s safety is uncompromised.

Jeffrey Veltri, the special agent in charge of the FBI Miami Field Office, described the attempt as “extremely serious” and emphasized the gravity with which the FBI is treating the case. Veltri outlined the FBI’s ongoing efforts to piece together Routh’s motives and background. The agency is conducting interviews with various individuals connected to Routh, including his family, friends, and former colleagues. These interviews are crucial for understanding any potential motives or connections that might explain the suspect’s actions.

In addition to interviewing those close to Routh, the FBI is seeking warrants to access several pieces of evidence linked to the suspect. This includes a video recording device, cellular phones, a vehicle, and other electronic devices associated with Routh. These items, located at previously known addresses, are expected to provide valuable insights into Routh’s activities and intentions leading up to the incident.

As part of the investigation, the FBI is also examining whether Routh had any accomplices. While Veltri acknowledged that the investigation is still ongoing, he noted that there is currently no evidence suggesting that Routh was working with others. The agency remains vigilant in exploring all possibilities to ensure that any potential threats are thoroughly addressed.

The incident took place on Sunday afternoon at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, where Trump was present. Initial reports indicated that shots were fired in the vicinity of Trump, prompting a rapid response from Secret Service agents. An agent stationed at the golf club observed a firearm protruding from behind a fence on a hole ahead of Trump. The agent, recognizing the potential threat, fired at Routh, who was concealed in nearby shrubbery. Following this exchange, Routh fled the scene, leaving behind several items, including his firearm, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera.

A witness reported seeing Routh enter a vehicle after the shooting, which enabled law enforcement to track and detain him approximately 45 minutes later on a freeway heading north. The swift response by police was instrumental in apprehending Routh and securing the scene. The items left behind by Routh are now being analyzed as part of the investigation to determine their significance and any potential links to the attempted assassination.

In a related development, President Joe Biden reached out to Trump later on Monday to offer his support and express relief over Trump’s safety. White House spokesperson Emilie Simons confirmed that the conversation was “cordial” and that Biden expressed his gratitude for Trump’s well-being. Trump, in turn, acknowledged the call and thanked Biden for his concern.

An additional layer to the investigation emerged with the revelation that Routh had been previously identified in a tip to the FBI in 2019. The tip alleged that Routh, a convicted felon, was in illegal possession of a firearm. However, the informant could not verify the information, leading the tip to be forwarded to local law enforcement in Hawaii. This prior tip adds complexity to the investigation, as authorities review past interactions and reports related to Routh to gain a fuller understanding of his background and potential motivations.

As the investigation progresses, officials are focused on ensuring Trump’s continued safety and addressing any emerging threats. The collaboration between federal and local agencies highlights the importance of comprehensive security measures and the commitment to protecting public figures from potential harm.