Federal prosecutors formally charge suspect Ryan Routh with attempted assassination of Trump

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The DOJ releasing Routh’s alleged letter was ‘dangerous’ and ‘irresponsible’: Matthew Whitaker

‘The Ingraham Angle’ panelists Matthew Whitaker and James Fitzgerald discuss the DOJ releasing an alleged letter written by suspected would-be Trump assassin Ryan Routh.

Federal prosecutors have formally charged Ryan Routh with the attempted assassination of former President Trump.

The upgraded charges, according to The Associated Press, reflect the Justice Department’s assessment that he methodically plotted to kill the Republican nominee, aiming a rifle through the shrubbery surrounding Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course while Trump was playing.

A court sketch depicts Ryan Routh as he appears in federal court in West Palm Beach, Florida on Monday, September 23, 2024. Routh is facing charges related to the alleged attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump last week. (Lothar Speer)

Trump survived the attempt on his life Sept. 15 after the Secret Service opened fire on Routh, authorities said.

FLORIDA MAN ACCUSED OF THREATENING TRUMP RELEASED FROM HOUSE ARREST IN SAME COUNTY AS ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT

Routh fled the area but was quickly arrested during a traffic stop near Palm City, Florida. He remains in federal custody. 

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It was just over two months since a 20-year-old gunman climbed to the roof of a building on the perimeter of a Trump rally and opened fire, narrowly missing the former president just minutes into his speech. 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Bradford Betz is a Fox News Digital breaking reporter covering crime, political issues, and much more.