TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced Wednesday the issuance of an arrest warrant for Ryan Routh on charges of attempted felony murder related to a traffic accident that gravely injured a six-year-old girl. The incident occurred during Routh’s flight from law enforcement following his failed assassination attempt on former President Donald J. Trump.
The warrant, issued under Florida’s Section 782.051 statute, alleges that Routh’s actions during a vehicle chase northbound on Interstate 95 in September constituted domestic terrorism and led to the child’s injuries. If convicted, Routh could face a life sentence.
Routh was fleeing Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course when Secret Service agents and Martin County Sheriff’s Office deputies pursued him. During the chase, Routh’s actions caused a collision, leaving the young victim with severe injuries.
Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Moody criticized federal agencies, including the FBI and Department of Justice, for allegedly obstructing Florida’s investigation into the assassination attempt. Moody has filed a federal lawsuit against U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, asserting that federal resistance has impeded the state’s efforts to obtain crucial evidence.
“The federal government has stonewalled Florida’s investigation of the Trump assassination attempt at every turn,” DeSantis said, expressing hope for a shift in cooperation with the upcoming change in federal administration.
Moody reaffirmed the state’s commitment to both the broader investigation and justice for the injured child. “We will fight just as hard to ensure Mr. Routh pays for the tragedy his criminal actions brought on this Florida family,” she said.
The case represents a significant intersection of state and federal legal efforts, with potential implications for transparency and accountability in high-profile investigations.
Florida AG seeks life imprisonment for a suspect linked to Trump’s attempted assassination and a child’s grave injuries.