Man in court after ‘attempted assassination’ at Donald Trump’s golf club

Ryan Wesley Routh entered a Florida courtroom on Monday morning wearing a dark blue jumpsuit and with his arms and legs shackled.

During an eight-minute hearing, prosecutors charged him with two counts: possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

Officials said Routh could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted on the first count and up to five years on the second count.

A bail hearing is scheduled for September 23, and a probation hearing or arraignment hearing is scheduled for September 30, depending on whether the government obtains an indictment on the charges.

During the hearing, Routh gave court officials routine information about his employment status and income. In a soft voice, he said he worked and earned about $3,000 (£2,272) a month, but had no savings.

Routh said he owns no property or assets other than two trucks valued at about $1,000, both located in Hawaii.

Routh also said he has a 25-year-old son whom he sometimes supports.

He smiled as he spoke with his lawyer and reviewed documents.

The incident occurred just nine weeks after the Republican presidential candidate, who says he is unharmed, survived another assassination attempt.

US Secret Service agents stationed a few holes away from Trump’s golf course spotted the muzzle of an AK rifle sticking out of the bushes lining the golf course about 400 yards away.

Routh was later stopped by police in a neighboring county.

Records show that Routh, 58, lived in North Carolina for most of his life before moving to Hawaii in 2018.

In 2020, he made a social media post supporting Mr Trump’s re-election, but in recent years his posts have expressed support for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The FBI is leading the investigation and is working to determine a possible motive.

US Attorney General Merrick Garland receives regular updates.

Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting in the investigation.

It was the latest shocking moment in an election year marked by unprecedented upheaval.

On July 13, Mr. Trump was shot during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania; a bullet grazed his ear.

Eight days later, Democrat Biden withdrew from the race and made Mrs Harris the party’s candidate.

And it raised new questions about the Secret Service’s protective measures after it admitted it failed to prevent the assassination attempt this summer.

In an email to his supporters, Trump wrote: “There have been gunshots near me, but before the rumor mill gets out of control, I want you to hear this: I AM SAFE AND I AM FINE!”

He wrote: “Nothing will stop me. I will NEVER GIVE UP!”

According to a person familiar with Trump’s activities, Mr Trump returned to Mar-a-Lago, his private club in Palm Beach where he lives.

It was not immediately clear how this development would affect his schedule or the momentum of his campaign.

Mr Trump was scheduled to speak live on social media site X about cryptocurrencies from Florida on Monday evening, and had planned stops in Michigan and Long Island, New York, on Tuesday and Wednesday.

An email to Trump campaign staff, obtained by AP, states: “We ask that you remain vigilant in your daily comings and goings.”

“As we enter the final 50 days of President Trump’s campaign, we must remember that only by working together as a team can we save America from those who seek to destroy it.”

Mr Biden and Ms Harris were briefed on the matter and each issued a statement condemning political violence.

Ms Harris added that she was “deeply disturbed” by the day’s events and that “we all have to do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to further violence”.

Mr Biden said he had instructed his team to ensure the Secret Service “has all the necessary resources, capabilities and protections to ensure the continued safety of the former President.”

Trump then spoke with his allies, including fellow Vice President JD Vance, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, and several Fox News hosts.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said he spent several hours with Mr Trump and called him “unstoppable.”

Fox News host Sean Hannity reported live from his conversation with Steve Witkoff, the former president’s golf partner.

They were on the fifth hole and were about to putt when they heard a “pop, pop, pop.”

Within seconds, Mr Witkoff said, Secret Service agents pounced on Mr Trump and “covered” him to protect him.

Mr Trump returned to Florida this weekend from a West Coast tour that included a Friday night rally in Las Vegas and a fundraiser in Utah.

His campaign team had not announced any public plans for Mr Trump on Sunday.

He often spends his mornings playing golf.

Since the assassination attempt in July, security measures against Mr Trump have been increased.

When he is at Trump Tower in New York, parked dump trucks form a wall in front of the building.

At outdoor rallies, he now speaks behind bulletproof glass.

During Trump’s playing season, the golf course in Florida was partially closed, but there are several areas around the property where golfers are visible from the fence.

Typically, Secret Service agents and officials in golf carts and ATVs secure the area several holes in front of and behind Mr. Trump.

The agents also usually bring an armored vehicle with them to quickly provide protection for Mr. Trump in the event of a threat.

The Palm Beach County sheriff said the entire golf course would be lined with police if Trump were president, but because he is not, “security is limited to the areas the Secret Service deems feasible.”

“I would imagine that the next time he comes to the golf course there will probably be a few more people on the sidelines,” Mr Bradshaw said.

“But the Secret Service did exactly what it should have done.”

Late Sunday, Trump posted a message on social media thanking the Secret Service and law enforcement for keeping him safe, calling them “brave and dedicated patriots” and adding that it had “certainly been an interesting day.”

According to a person familiar with the briefing plans, he was scheduled to receive a personal briefing on the assassination investigation on Monday from acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe.

Former presidents and their spouses are protected by the Secret Service for life. However, security protection for former presidents varies depending on the threat and level of danger. The strictest measures are usually taken immediately after they leave office.

Because of his high profile and his campaign to re-enter the White House, Trump enjoys a stronger security guard than some other former presidents.

There were no news reporters with Mr. Trump on Sunday.

Contrary to tradition, Trump’s campaign team has not organized a travel escort by a pool of reporters, as is customary for candidates of the major parties and the president.

Ms Harris is not under the constant supervision of a protector, but allows reporters to accompany her to public events.