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Suspected Gunman Indicted for Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump

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Ryan Routh, a 58-year-old man accused of targeting former U.S. President Donald Trump at his Florida golf course, was indicted on Tuesday for attempted assassination of a political candidate. Federal prosecutors revealed that Routh, who had already faced gun-related charges, allegedly aimed a rifle through the fence of Trump’s West Palm Beach golf club on September 15 while Trump was present.

The U.S. Department of Justice emphasized that this act represents a serious threat to the nation’s democracy. “The Justice Department will not tolerate violence that strikes at the heart of our democracy, and we will find and hold accountable those who perpetrate it. This must stop,” stated Attorney General Merrick Garland in response to the indictment. The charge of attempted assassination carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The case is being overseen by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, known for her involvement in a previous case regarding Trump’s handling of classified documents after his presidency. Routh, who has yet to enter a plea, remains in jail awaiting trial, following a failed attempt by his defense team to secure bond.

Prosecutors claim that Routh had a premeditated plan to assassinate Trump. According to court filings, he allegedly dropped off a letter to an unidentified person months before the incident, hinting at a possible assassination attempt. Further investigation revealed that Routh had spent considerable time in South Florida, with his cell phone records placing him near both Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence and the golf course. A handwritten list of Trump’s speaking engagements was also found in his possession.

On the day of the incident, a Secret Service agent on patrol noticed a rifle protruding through the fence and opened fire, causing Routh to flee the scene. He was arrested shortly after, on a highway in Florida.

Initially, Routh was charged with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and for possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Now, with the indictment on attempted assassination, the stakes of the case have increased dramatically as federal prosecutors prepare to present their case.

Secret Service Investigates Elon Musk’s Post on Biden and Harris

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The U.S. Secret Service has acknowledged its awareness of a now-deleted social media post by Elon Musk, in which he suggested that “no one is even trying” to assassinate President Joe Biden or Vice-President Kamala Harris. The post, shared on X (formerly Twitter), was later removed by Musk, who claimed it was intended as a joke.

The controversial post came shortly after an alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at his golf course in Florida. Musk, a known ally of Trump, has recently expressed support for the former president, even stating that Trump plans to enlist him to lead a “government efficiency commission” if re-elected.

The post, which included a raised eyebrow emoji, sparked outrage from many X users, who accused Musk of inciting violence against the current president and vice president. The White House condemned the remark, calling the rhetoric “irresponsible” and emphasizing that violence should never be encouraged or joked about. “There should be no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country,” the statement added.

The Secret Service, while not commenting on specific cases, affirmed that it investigates all threats against its protectees. In response to the backlash, Musk explained that what might have been humorous in a personal context didn’t translate well on social media. He tweeted, “Turns out that jokes are way less funny if people don’t know the context and the delivery is in plain text.”

Musk’s post is part of a broader pattern of controversial remarks, as he continues to voice criticism of Biden and Harris while showing public support for Trump. His endorsement of Trump followed a separate assassination attempt on the former president in July, during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump was injured and an attendee was killed.