DeSantis Announces Major Investigation Following Alleged Assassination Attempt

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announces state investigation into Trump assassination attempt, raising questions about security protocols.

At a Glance

Florida to conduct its own investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Trump in West Palm Beach.
Suspect Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was detained with an AK-47-style rifle near Trump’s golf course.
The incident occurred just two months after a similar attack on Trump in Pennsylvania.
Governor DeSantis emphasizes the need for transparency and stronger security measures.
FBI also investigating the incident, described as an “attempted assassination.”

DeSantis Calls for State-Level Investigation

Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that Florida will conduct its own investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf club. The incident, which occurred on September 15, 2024, has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of security protocols surrounding the former president and current Republican presidential nominee.

DeSantis emphasized the public’s right to know about the would-be assassin and how he managed to get within 500 yards of Trump. This announcement comes as the FBI is also investigating what it describes as an “attempted assassination.”

The State of Florida will be conducting its own investigation regarding the attempted assassination at Trump International Golf Club.

The people deserve the truth about the would be assassin and how he was able to get within 500 yards of the former president and current GOP…

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) September 16, 2024

Details of the Assassination Attempt

The incident unfolded at Trump International Golf Course around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. A U.S. Secret Service agent noticed a gunman, armed with an AK-47-style rifle, in the bushes approximately 300-500 yards away from Trump. The agent engaged the suspect, firing shots and causing the gunman to flee in a black Nissan SUV.

The suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, from Kaawa, Hawaii, was later apprehended on I-95 North in Martin County. Law enforcement sources indicate that Routh has a minor arrest record and connections to Greensboro, North Carolina.

Security Concerns and Previous Incidents

This attempted assassination comes just two months after a similar attack on Trump in Pennsylvania, where the U.S. Secret Service killed a man who fired a rifle at a rally. The recurrence of such incidents has cast doubt on the effectiveness of current security measures and raised questions about potential communication breakdowns with local law enforcement.

A bipartisan congressional task force investigating the previous assassination attempt is now seeking a briefing on this latest incident. Their involvement underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for a comprehensive review of security protocols.

Response and Aftermath

Despite the gravity of the situation, Trump remained unharmed and has reassured supporters via email that he is safe and will continue his campaign. The incident has drawn bipartisan concern, with Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz expressing relief at Trump’s safety and condemning violence.

As investigations by both state and federal authorities unfold, the focus remains on enhancing security measures and preventing future attempts on the lives of political figures. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats faced by high-profile individuals in the political arena and the critical importance of robust security protocols.