Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced on Wednesday that Ryan Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at a Florida golf course in September, is now facing a new charge of attempted felony murder related to a car crash that occurred as he tried to evade authorities.
Routh fled north on I-95, prompting law enforcement to shut down traffic in both directions to apprehend him, which ultimately led to a traffic crash injuring a 6-year-old girl traveling with her family, according to Moody.
The new charge against Routh was attributed to a “lack of cooperation and support from federal agents,” leaving Florida authorities feeling frustrated, the Attorney General mentioned.
Routh was allegedly waiting in the brush with a rifle on the perimeter of the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach for over 12 hours on Sept. 15, as Trump was golfing. A Secret Service agent observed Routh pointing a rifle through a fence and fired at him. Routh fled but was arrested the same day.
Routh has pleaded not guilty to five counts, including attempted presidential candidate assassination and assault on a federal officer.
Routh’s legal team is contemplating an insanity defense after his last federal court appearance on Dec. 11.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis expressed similar concerns about the lack of collaboration with federal officials in handling the case.
Routh’s trial is scheduled for Feb. 10, 2025, and he remains in federal custody.
