Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that authorities are launching an investigation into a gunman who targeted former President Donald Trump on a golf course in West Palm Beach over the weekend. The hole where the incident occurred was described as the “soft underbelly” of the president’s club by DeSantis.
The Florida governor said he has previously played golf with Trump at the Trump International Golf Club and mentioned that there was significant security when he last visited. The sixth hole, where the gunman was spotted, is located close to a fence line, making it easier for the would-be assassin to get within 300 to 500 yards of the former president with an SKS assault rifle.
Gov. DeSantis has stated that the state will run its investigation alongside the ongoing federal one into Ryan Wesley Routh, the man believed to be behind the assassination attempt. The Florida governor emphasized the importance of holding this suspect accountable and mentioned the possibility of more serious federal charges as the investigation progresses.
Federal prosecutors said that the would-be assassin had set up a sniper’s nest near Trump’s golf course and remained hidden there for nearly 12 hours before attempting to shoot at him, although he did not fire his weapon during the incident. Secret Service agents spotted Routh’s rifle protruding from shrubbery on the course while Trump was playing, prompting them to shoot in his direction.
Routh fled immediately after the shots were fired and was caught soon after on I-95 before being arrested. The 58-year-old has a history of supporting progressive causes online and made 19 donations to Democratic candidates since 2019. However, authorities have not shared a motive for the shooting at this time.
Routh also has an extensive criminal history, including a 2002 conviction in Greensboro, North Carolina, after he was found with a weapon of mass destruction. He was later convicted in 2010 on multiple counts of possession of stolen goods.
As the investigation continues and federal prosecutors seek an indictment from a grand jury, it is crucial for authorities to hold Routh accountable for his actions. The incident highlights the need for increased security measures at public events and locations where high-profile individuals may be present, ensuring their safety and the safety of those around them.
