AG Moody’s Statewide Prosecutors Obtain Arrest Warrant for Attempted Felony Murder Charge Against Routh for Roadway Tragedy

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-Attorney General Ashley Moody today obtained an arrest warrant for attempted felony murder against Ryan Routh, the would-be assassin of President Donald J. Trump, for a traffic accident that gravely injured a six-year-old girl after he chose to flee the scene.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, "Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, we vowed to bring transparency and accountability to the investigation into the second assassination attempt of President Trump. Despite the federal government frustrating our efforts, which we continue to challenge in court, we found that Mr. Routh's actions caused catastrophic injuries to a six-year-old girl.

"My heart breaks for the child and her family, and while we continue to seek justice for President Trump, we will fight just as hard to ensure Mr. Routh pays for the tragedy his criminal actions brought on this Florida family."

Governor Ron DeSantis said, "The federal government has stonewalled Florida's investigation of the Trump assassination attempt at every turn, and I appreciate Attorney General Ashley Moody and her team for plowing forward despite such resistance.

"The tide will turn on January 20th and we fully expect that the federal roadblocks will be removed. The would-be assassin needs to face the full force of justice, and the people deserve the truth about the defendant's history, motivations and plan."

On Sept. 15, after being spotted by U.S. Secret Service members, Routh fled Trump's West Palm Beach golf course, traveling by vehicle northbound on Interstate 95. Martin County Sheriff's Office deputies followed in order to stop Routh. During the apprehension and arrest of Routh, a car accident occurred that caused serious injuries to the young victim.

In September, Governor DeSantis ordered the state to investigate the criminal violations surrounding the failed assassination attempt. Since that time, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has consistently frustrated and opposed the state's investigation and refused to share evidence, leading Attorney General Moody to file a federal lawsuit against U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland on Oct. 23.

Despite the FBI's and Department of Justice's attempts to frustrate the state's investigation of the assassination attempt itself, the state has nonetheless been able to investigate and identify other crimes committed by Routh on and around Sept. 15.

Today, Attorney General Moody's Statewide Prosecutors sought and obtained an arrest warrant for an attempted felony murder charge against Routh pursuant to Section 782.051, Florida Statutes. The basis for the arrest warrant is that Routh committed an enumerated felony-here, domestic terrorism-and that felony seriously injured and could have killed a six-year-old girl. The charge carries a sentence of up to life in prison.

To obtain the warrant, Attorney General Moody's Statewide Prosecutors submitted an Affidavit and Complaint in Support of Arrest Warrant. The affidavit, which is 18 pages in length, details much of the information Attorney General Moody's team uncovered regarding Routh and the events of Sept. 15. To read the affidavit, click here.

While the FBI continues to frustrate state investigative efforts, Attorney General Moody will continue fighting in court to vindicate the state's authority to enforce its laws.

For more on Attorney General Moody's lawsuit against the FBI, click here.

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