Ryan Wesley Routh, a man questioned by Secret Service agents on Sunday, September 15 in Florida, near Donald Trump, did not use his weapon against the former U.S. president, authorities said at a press conference this Monday, September 16

Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe confirmed that the suspect, arrested as part of an investigation into an alleged assassination attempt, “did not fire his weapon”.

Spotted by a Secret Service agent who fired, the suspect, who did not have a direct line of sight to Donald Trump, attempted to flee. “He didn’t shoot,” clarified Ronald Rowe at the press conference held in West Palm Beach, Florida. Thanks to a witness who identified his vehicle, Ryan Wesley Routh was quickly caught and apprehended.

Ryan Wesley Routh charged and held in custody

Presented before a judge, Ryan Wesley Routh was charged with illegal possession of a firearm, due to his criminal record, and possession of a weapon with a suppressed serial number. These charges, punishable by 15 years and 5 years in prison respectively, could be followed by further prosecution. His next detention hearing is scheduled for September 23, with a formal arraignment a week later. The Minister of Justice, Merrick Garland, has given assurances that all resources will be mobilized for this investigation.

The FBI investigates a potential second assassination attempt

At the same time, the FBI is investigating a possible second assassination attempt against Donald Trump. The motives of Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old American and fervent supporter of Ukraine, are still unknown, according to the authorities. During his interrogation, he exercised his right to an attorney.

Call to strengthen the Secret Service

On Monday, President Joe Biden called for increased support for the Secret Service, the elite unit responsible for protecting high-profile political figures. In particular, he stressed the need to strengthen the agency’s workforce, calling on Congress to release additional funds.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a close ally of Donald Trump, said that “the top priority” was to understand how several assassination attempts could have targeted the former president. For his part, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw pointed out that Donald Trump, no longer a sitting president, had less extensive security. However, the Secret Service “did exactly what it had to do” in this situation, he assured