ALBAWABA - A suspect in an alleged plot to kill former US President Donald Trump made an appearance in court today and was charged with two federal offenses involving firearms.
The charges against 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh were "possession of a firearm" and "possession of a firearm with an altered serial number." Charges were filed when it was claimed that Routh harassed Trump close to a golf club in Florida. He was handcuffed and wearing a blue prison uniform as he was brought before a federal court in Florida. While investigations are ongoing, Routh, who has a past criminal history, responded to the judge's inquiries at his first hearing.
Following the event, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said that his government will look into it further. DeSantis said, "We think there were many infractions of state statutes, even if the federal administration is in charge of the matter. We have to make sure a comprehensive and reliable inquiry is conducted."
Gunshots were allegedly heard close to a Florida golf club where Trump was present, setting off the incident. It was reported shortly after that the former president was uninjured. Steven Cheung, head of Trump's campaign communications, said, "President Trump is safe after reports of gunshots in the area. There are currently no other information available."
The public was notified by Donald Trump Jr., his oldest son, on X (formerly Twitter) that an AK-47 had been discovered nearby and that a suspect had been taken into custody.
According to sources who spoke with the Associated Press, the suspect was shot by a Secret Service member defending Trump during the encounter.
"Gunshots were heard around me, but before rumors escalate, I want to clarify: I'm fine and safe," Trump said in a letter to his fans.
As a "possible assassination attempt" on the former president, the FBI has acknowledged that it is looking into the Florida event.
This is Trump's second such incident of the year. The former president almost avoided being killed in July at a rally in Pennsylvania; he was slightly hurt in the ear.
Speaking about the occasion, President Joe Biden said, "The Secret Service needs additional support."
