The suspect in an apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump allegedly wrote a letter detailing his intentions months prior to the incident, prosecutors revealed in court documents Monday.
Ryan Routh, the suspect, reportedly penned a letter expressing regret for failing in his attempt on Trump’s life, according to the documents. Prosecutors say the letter was discovered only after the failed attack at Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course in Florida.
What’s Happening:
- Routh allegedly left a letter and ammunition in a box with a witness months before the incident.
- The letter included an offer of $150,000 for anyone who could “complete the job.”
- The witness opened the box after learning of the attack.
⚖️ The Letter: The contents of the letter show that Routh was motivated by strong political views, condemning Trump as unfit to serve as president and calling for someone else to carry out the assassination. The prosecution used this evidence to argue for Routh’s continued detention.
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The letter begins with “Hello World” and then goes on to say. “This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I failed you.” The letter was written months in advance of the assassination attempt with the assumption that it would be unsucessful.
Routh remains in custody, awaiting further legal proceedings.
According to the Justice Department, Routh was planning to escape to Mexico after the failed assassination attempt.