Ryan Routh, the 58-year-old man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump this weekend, appeared in court docket Monday the place he faces two gun-related fees.
Routh was charged with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial quantity.
The Related Press stories Routh, who’s being represented by a public defender, faces as much as 15 years in jail on the primary cost, and 5 on the second. Prosecutors could push for added fees because the investigation continues.
U.S. Secret Service brokers fired at Routh on Sunday after they encountered him with an AK-style assault rifle within the bushes at Trump’s golf membership in West Palm Seashore, Florida.
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Authorities mentioned Routh fled in an SUV however was stopped and arrested later that day. Martin County Sheriff William Snyder advised reporters he confirmed little emotion when officers pulled him over.
“He never asked, ‘What is this about?’” mentioned Snyder. “Obviously, law enforcement with long rifles, blue lights, a lot going on. He never questioned it.”
Social media accounts that seem to belong to Routh recommend he’s had shifting political allegiances, having voted for Trump in 2016 and supported former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s bid for president in 2020.
A former neighbor of Routh’s in Greensboro, North Carolina, advised native Fox affiliate WGHP she discovered Routh uncommon and at instances horrifying, however by no means thought he’d rise to the extent of would-be murderer.
“Him, I mean, trying to shoot Trump. That’s a lot. I would have never guessed, and I would have swore up and down, no, that’s not him,” mentioned the lady, who spoke to the outlet on situation of anonymity.
She did observe, nonetheless, that he was lengthy a fan of weapons.
“I’ve seen the guns myself and all, and yeah, they had a lot of guns and stuff over there, and, yeah, a lot of people were afraid of him back in the day,” she mentioned.
