Prosecutors in Florida have laid charges in what they say was a second attempt to assassinate former US President Donald Trump. They charged Ryan Routh on Monday with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
The prosecutors detailed the charges in an affidavit. They said, on Sunday, a US Secret Service agent spotted a rifle poking out of bushes along a golf course where Trump was playing, about 250 to 450 meters away.
They said the agent fired their weapon. A witness saw a man, later identified as Routh, fleeing the area. Agents found a loaded rifle with a scope, a camera and two bags in the trees.
Investigators used cellphone records to track Routh’s movements. They said he hid in the area for 12 hours. But they have not provided information about a motive.
US media outlets report Routh had been involved in activities to support Ukraine and had traveled to Kyiv in 2022 and taken part in protests. Investigators are looking into whether he had grievances related to that and with Trump’s position on the issue.
In July, a gunman targeted Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, hitting him in the ear. This latest incident has raised more questions about the protection provided by the Secret Service. President Joe Biden said the agency “needs more help.” He said he and officials in his administration will discuss the matter.