The incident in question involved Ryan Routh, who allegedly lay in wait for hours, armed and ready to strike the Republican nominee while he was engaged in a round of golf at his West Palm Beach course.
According to The Post Millennial, the legal tussle began when Florida's Attorney General, Ashley Moody, lodged a complaint against Garland on Wednesday. This was in response to Garland's directive to Florida to cease all inquiries into the assassination attempt. The state's Governor, Ron DeSantis, had previously indicated his intention to press charges against Routh, as reported by CBS 12 News.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) had instructed Florida authorities that they were not permitted to interview witnesses related to the case. Furthermore, they demanded that Florida state officials collaborate with the federal investigation. In a defiant response, Florida launched a lawsuit, asserting its "sovereign interest to investigate violations of state law," as any delay could potentially influence the outcome of any prosecution.
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The announcement of the state-led investigation into the assassination attempt came just two days after the second attempt on Trump's life. Routh was reportedly seen aiming a rifle through a chain-link fence, approximately 300 yards from where the former President was playing golf. Upon being fired at by Secret Service agents, Routh fled to his car and made a hasty escape, only to be apprehended later by local law enforcement.
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Routh now faces multiple charges, including the attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate and possession of a firearm as a felon. Despite these serious allegations, Routh has pleaded not guilty to all federal charges. It is alleged that Routh had detailed his plans to assassinate Trump in a note, promising a reward of $150,000 to anyone who could successfully carry out the act if he failed.
This case underscores the ongoing tension between state and federal authorities, as well as the commitment of Florida's conservative leadership to uphold law and order, even in the face of federal opposition.