Staff ReportsThe saga of Ryan Routh takes a decidedly dark turn, as the man who allegedly thought it would be a grand idea to take a shot at President-elect Donald Trump is now facing charges that sound like something out of a low-budget thriller. Routh’s escapades took place at Trump’s South Florida golf club, where he reportedly set up shop in a sniper’s nest with a scoped rifle. Now, he’s got a new headache added to his legal troubles thanks to a dreadful car accident that has left a six-year-old girl seriously injured.
As the Florida Attorney General’s Office revealed, Routh was arrested on September 15, not exactly making the best impression during his little stunt. It turns out after the Secret Service had to intervene by firing at him—you know, because waiting with a rifle on a golf course isn’t the safest hobby—Routh’s antics led to a multi-vehicle accident on Interstate 95. This unfortunate crash happened just a few miles away as police were busy holding up traffic to check for potential explosives hiding in Routh’s vehicle.
Alleged would-be Trump assassin faces new charge in crash that nearly killed child: Florida authorities https://t.co/YnKkiam5fh pic.twitter.com/TR11e2sP8h
— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) December 18, 2024
The irony here is thick enough to slice bread. While Routh was getting his own life turned upside down, a little girl traveling with her family became a victim of his reckless behavior. Apparently, a chain reaction from the ensuing traffic jam resulted in the family’s vehicle being rear-ended, injuring the girl critically. The Attorney General stated it was imperative to seek justice not just for the little girl, but for her family whose lives are now thrown into chaos. Who would have thought a would-be assassin could wreak such collateral damage?
What’s more, it seems like Routh’s actions are not only being viewed as a botched attempt at political terrorism but also elevated to the thrilling realm of attempted felony murder. The Attorney General had originally tried to hand off this case to federal prosecutors, but they decided it was better to sit on the sidelines citing a need to “protect national security.” One would wonder: is this a matter of national security, or is it just bureaucratic red tape? Either way, it looks like the state is now stepping in to serve some real justice.
To make things even better (for those in the audience who enjoy a little schadenfreude), Routh’s laundry list of legal charges gets longer by the minute. In addition to the state attempted murder charge, he’s already facing numerous federal counts for trying to assassinate a presidential candidate, possession of a firearm related to violent crime, and assaulting a federal officer. Talk about a one-man crime wave! Judge Aileen Cannon, well-known for her decision to dismiss the Biden DOJ’s flimsy classified documents case against Trump, now has the honor of handling Routh’s slow-motion train wreck of a case. If convicted on the most serious charges, Routh might just find himself contemplating life behind bars.
In a world where bad decisions and politics collide, Ryan Routh has taken a front-row seat to his own public spectacle. It remains to be seen how this story will conclude, but one thing is for certain: while Routh may have aimed for infamy, he’s instead carved out a cautionary tale that could make any law-abiding citizen stand up and cheer for justice.
