Categories: U.S.

Routh stalked Mar-a-Lago, Trump golf course for weeks, may have planned getaway, documents show

close Video

Trump assassination attempt suspect a ‘flight risk’: Rep. David Joyce

Rep. David Joyce, R-Ohio, joins ‘America Reports’ to discuss efforts to keep Ryan Routh in jail and the bipartisan House task force’s investigation into the security lapses at Trump’s Butler rally.

The suspect behind the second Trump assassination attempt in Florida appears to have stalked Mar-a-Lago and the former president’s golf course in West Palm Beach for weeks and may have been planning a getaway to Mexico, a judge and federal prosecutors have revealed. 

The developments come as Ryan Routh – who has been charged federally with possessing a gun with a scratched-out number and with possessing a gun illegally as a felon – was ordered by a federal judge on Monday to remain in custody. 

“Talk about a flight risk, I mean this guy he makes a great case on what a flight risk is,” Rep. David Joyce, R-Ohio, who is on the bipartisan task force investigating the first Trump assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, told Fox News. 

A document released by the Justice Department before Routh appeared in court yesterday said one of the cell phones found in his vehicle during his arrest on Sept. 15 “contained a Google search of how to travel from Palm Beach County to Mexico.” 

FEDERAL JUDGE ORDERS TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT SUSPECT RYAN ROUTH NOT TO BE RELEASED 

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

“The FBI obtained cell site records for two of the cell phones found in the Nissan Xterra. The two cell phones are serviced by different carriers that utilize different cell towers,” the document continued. 

It said regarding one of the phones, “On multiple days and times from August 18, 2024, to September 15, 2024, ROUTH’s cell phone accessed cell towers located near Trump International [Golf Club] and the former President’s residence at Mar-a-Lago.” 

“The agents also found 12 pairs of gloves; a Hawaii Driver’s License in the Defendant’s name; a passport in the Defendant’s name,” the document added. 

TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT SUSPECT WROTE CHILLING LETTER MONTHS BEFORE GOLF COURSE PLOT 

Ryan Routh camped out near the Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach with an SKS-style rifle, a backpack, and a shopping bag, prosecutors allege. (Department of Justice)

Magistrate Judge Ryon McCabe, who ultimately granted the government’s request to detain Routh pending the resolution of the charges against him, said during Monday’s hearing that it appeared Routh was stalking Trump for 30 days. 

Federal prosecutors told the judge that the government intends to ask a grand jury to indict Routh on the much more serious charge of the attempted assassination of Trump, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The Justice Department on Monday also released a letter written by Routh months prior to the assassination attempt. 

Ryan Routh, during a federal court appearance on Monday in West Palm Beach, Florida, was ordered to remain in custody. (Lothar Speer)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 

“I certainly hope that this letter wasn’t a bat call to the lunatics in our nation to follow his lead,” Joyce said in reaction to the letter. “You have people like the last two people who we’ve seen in these attempted assassinations and God forbid there be more out there so you really wouldn’t want them to be doing that.” 

Fox News’ Jake Gibson, David Spunt and Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report. 

Greg Norman is a reporter at Fox News Digital.

Share

Recent Posts

5 found dead in Minnesota apparent murder-suicide: police

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for November 7 Fox News Flash top headlines…

2 hours ago

WATCH: Elderly woman in Washington state attacks, punches 2 Trump supporters

close Video Washington state woman arrested after allegedly punching Trump supporters An 82-year-old woman was…

2 hours ago

Trump ally floated as possible AG has harsh warning for Letitia James: ‘We will put your fat a– in prison’

Mike Davis, a staunch ally of President-elect Donald Trump, had some harsh words for New…

5 hours ago

After Trump win, French President Macron asks if EU is ‘ready to defend’ European interests

close Video French President Macron asks if Europeans are 'ready to defend' their interests in…

6 hours ago

Husband of missing mom Suzanne Simpson charged with murder

close Video Ted Williams discusses investigation into missing Texas real estate agent Suzanne Simpson Former…

7 hours ago

Monkey mayhem as dozens of primates escape South Carolina research center

close Video Hundreds of raccoons take over woman's yard in Washington state The Kitsap County…

7 hours ago