FBI classifies Trump assassination attempt at Florida as ‘extremely serious’
Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump attends a watch party event to mark the Super Tuesday primary elections at his Mar-a-Lago property, in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. March 5, 2024. (Reuters Photo)
U.S. officials have shared new details regarding what is being described as an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has classified the incident as “extremely serious,” while investigations continue.
Acting U.S. Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe, alongside other officials, held a press conference in West Palm Beach to address the situation. Rowe emphasized that Trump is receiving “the highest level” of security protection at his Florida residence, similar to the measures in place during his presidency.
“President (Joe) Biden has made it clear that he wants top-level protection for former President Trump and Vice President (Kamala) Harris,” said Rowe. He added that the Secret Service is meticulously managing every security detail to ensure their safety.
Authorities disclosed that the suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, may have been lying in the bushes for approximately 11 hours but did not have Trump in his line of sight at any point.
Jeffrey Veltri, an official from the FBI’s Miami Office, confirmed that the agency is investigating every aspect of the incident, including interviews with the suspect’s family and associates. “The FBI views this as an extremely serious assassination attempt on Donald Trump,” said Veltri.
Veltri also revealed that Routh was active on social media platforms during the incident. The FBI is currently scrutinizing all of Routh’s accounts. Notably, Routh had made posts about recruiting Afghan mercenaries to fight in Ukraine.
Authorities are still probing whether Routh acted alone or with others. The FBI has obtained search warrants for his vehicle, cellphone, and other electronic devices, hoping to uncover additional evidence.
Local police officials stated that Routh was found with an AK-47-style rifle, which had its serial number removed, along with a digital camera, a bag, and some food supplies.
