Feds: Man Charged in Trump Assassination Attempt Left Note Detailing His Intent

A man attempted to assassinate Donald Trump at a Florida golf course, leaving behind a note and a list of Trump's scheduled appearances. He is now facing serious charges.

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The man who has been accused of trying to kill former President Donald Trump while he was playing golf in Florida has left a shocking incident. The Justice Department revealed new details about this serious case on Monday.

The accused man, 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, reportedly left a note stating his intention to kill Trump. In addition, he kept a list of dates and locations where Trump was scheduled to appear. This information raises concerns about Routh being a threat to public safety.

The Justice Department filed a memo ahead of a court hearing. They plan to argue that Routh should stay in custody as the case continues. 

Prosecutors believe he had a detailed plan to assassinate Trump. This plot was stopped by a Secret Service agent who noticed a rifle hidden in the bushes at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.

A Disturbing Discovery

The note was found in a box that Routh had delivered months earlier to a person's home. This person did not open the box until after Routh's arrest last Sunday. 

Inside the box were not just the note and the rifle, but also ammunition, tools, phones, and various letters. The identity of the person who received the box has not been disclosed by the Justice Department.

One note, addressed “Dear World,” expressed Routh's frustration about failing in his assassination attempt. He wrote, “This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I failed you. I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster. It is up to you now to finish the job; and I will offer $150,000 to whomever can complete the job.”

Routh's lawyer did not respond to requests for comments on the case.

Tracking Routh's Movements

Cellphone records show that Routh traveled from Greensboro to West Palm Beach in mid-August. He was close to Trump’s golf club and the Mar-a-Lago residence on several occasions between August 18 and the day of the assassination attempt.

On Sunday afternoon, a Secret Service agent was watching the golf course for any security threats. The agent spotted a man, Routh, with a rifle pointed at him. The agent fired at Routh, who then fled the scene. Law enforcement later stopped Routh in a nearby county.

What Authorities Found

Authorities searched Routh's car and made several alarming discoveries. They found six cellphones, including one that showed a Google search for how to travel from Palm Beach County to Mexico. This raised more questions about his intentions.

They also discovered a list of dates and venues where Trump had appeared or was scheduled to appear in the coming months. In addition, a notebook in the car contained Routh’s negative views about the Russian and Chinese governments. He also wrote notes on how to support Ukraine in its war.

Past Writings and Charges

Routh is also known for a book he published last year, where he criticized Trump’s foreign policy, especially regarding Ukraine. In the book, he wrote that Iran could “freely assassinate Trump” because he left the nuclear deal.

Routh faces serious legal charges. He is accused of illegally possessing a firearm, despite having multiple felony convictions. In 2002, he was convicted in North Carolina for possessing stolen goods. 

He is also charged with possessing a gun with an erased serial number. More serious charges may follow in the coming weeks.

This ongoing case will continue to unfold as authorities work to address the serious allegations against Routh.